The key to effective and sustainable reforestation goes beyond simply "planting trees." It requires a profound understanding that a forest is more than just a collection of trees; it's a complex ecosystem shaped by its continent, soil characteristics, and local climate

Adrien

Two years ago, the UN initiated the Decade for Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030). To embark on such a project, we must comprehend the immense complexity and vast diversity inherent in all of the planet's ecosystems. Forests, the primary carbon sink alongside oceans, serve as a prime example. They come in various forms&mdash;tropical, temperate, coniferous, humid, arid, mangrove, boreal, etc.&mdash;and are at the forefront of the climate emergency due to massive deforestation.
So, how do we approach reforestation? Surprisingly, 45% of new reforestation projects consist of single-species plantations (World Resources Institute). This approach involves replanting a single tree species, neglecting biodiversity, long-term carbon capture, and soil stabilization. It is high time to demand a more sustainable model.
<h2>Multiple consequences of overexploitation</h2>
Whether driven by industrial or agricultural needs, global deforestation carries dire consequences for biodiversity. In regions like South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, which are most severely affected, 420 million hectares of forests vanished between 1990 and 2020 (FAO)&mdash;an area larger than the European Union.
Deforestation not only removes trees but also undermines the unique carbon-capturing ability of plants. Endemic species also face the brunt of deforestation's impact, along with animals and plants. Furthermore, the livelihoods of 1.2 billion people worldwide depend on forests. The rights and needs of indigenous communities residing in these coveted natural areas are under constant threat.
<h2>We must restore forests, not just plant trees</h2>
The key to effective and sustainable reforestation goes beyond simply "planting trees." It requires a profound understanding that a forest is more than just a collection of trees; it's a complex ecosystem shaped by its continent, soil characteristics, and local climate. We must restore entire ecosystems where wildlife and flora can thrive&mdash;a more intricate yet essential objective.
Sustainable reforestation demands a thorough environmental analysis and long-term ecosystem monitoring. Each reforestation site must undergo comprehensive scrutiny, considering specific land features, sediments, air quality, density, and more. To plant efficiently and ensure long-term growth, selecting the appropriate species based on the available nutrients is crucial.
Furthermore, effective carbon storage and combating global warming rely on a healthy ecosystem. Planting trees is just the beginning. It necessitates ongoing monitoring and potential adjustments over several years to ensure growth and mitigate risks. The forest must achieve equilibrium, allowing the revival of the plant and animal biodiversity that once thrived. This benefits not only fauna, flora, and humans but also improves soil, air, and water quality.
Lastly, forests should directly benefit local communities by creating jobs, forming partnerships, and enhancing the social conditions of the populace.
<h2>Technology augmenting local ecosystems</h2>
This decade offers the opportunity to swiftly regenerate native forests by restoring as many ecosystems as possible. To meet the climate targets set by France, Europe, and the world for 2030, 35% of carbon elimination potential should come from forests, according to the IPCC. The UN aims to reforest 80 million hectares per year, while the current rate is only 8 million hectares. An expedited reforestation process is imperative!
To achieve a tenfold increase in efficiency, our current reforestation methods must evolve. New technologies provide the means to support commendable reforestation initiatives worldwide.
Consider aerial visualization technologies, such as satellites or drones. In analyzing areas earmarked for reforestation, especially steep and hard-to-reach terrain, these technologies outperform ground assessments. They facilitate the reforestation of much larger areas without on-site damage. Aerial methods also replace manual and time-consuming ground planting with calculated and far-swifter drone dispersal.
When coupled with artificial intelligence and image recognition, aerial ecosystem observation becomes vastly more effective. Seed selection for replanting becomes more precise and safer. The quality and sustainability of reforestation are significantly improved.
In the realms of analysis, selection, planting, and monitoring, technology can help close the gap and expedite reforestation efforts. It paves the way for a near-term reversal of trends and the restoration of endangered forest ecosystems, benefiting wildlife, flora, and humanity.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

For sustainable reforestation, it is imperative to change the model and scale

A sector-centric approach would funnel money and resources into specific sectors that generate most of the emissions in the economy

Kumar

Corporate emissions accounting is implicitly based on a life-cycle perspective borrowed from product <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life-cycle_assessment">life-cycle assessment</a>. The diagram below from the GHG Protocol&rsquo;s <a href="https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/standards/Corporate-Value-Chain-Accounting-Reporing-Standard_041613_2.pdf">value chain accounting standard</a> illustrates how a single product&rsquo;s life-cycle emissions make up a sliver of a company&rsquo;s emissions across all scopes (ignoring for now that the company-level emissions inventory is for a year while the product-level inventory is not time-bound). This framework is great for attributing responsibility for emissions to the company that sits in the middle of the value chain and makes the final products that consumers use. But attribution doesn&rsquo;t get us to decarbonization <a href="https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/the-4-ds-of-accelerating-the-transition-ditch-disclosures-go-directly-to-decarbonization">as we have argued previously</a>.
<img src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/b96512106b3e129d005308808b48aff09135f274.png?" alt="corporate emissions accounting" /> Source: <a href="https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/standards/Corporate-Value-Chain-Accounting-Reporing-Standard_041613_2.pdf">https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/standards/Corporate-Value-Chain-Accounting-Reporing-Standard_041613_2.pdf</a>
The company-centric life-cycle perspective is ill-suited for decarbonization because so much of the emission reductions must happen outside of a company&rsquo;s direct control. Focusing instead on key sectors in the economy can greatly reduce the complexity and simplify the decarbonization challenge. Climate policies and incentives are, in fact, increasingly aligned with a sector-centric approach.
<h2>Where the company-centric approach hits a brick wall with scope 3 emissions</h2>
It is well-known that scope 3 emissions from the value chain can easily account for 80-90% of the total emissions for companies that produce physical products, so corporate emission reductions often turn specifically into a scope 3 emission reduction problem. There are <a href="https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/corporate-net-zero-is-a-heavy-lift-emission-reduction-pools-could-help">fundamental reasons</a> why scope 3 reductions have bedeviled most companies to date:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use of secondary data: Companies generally use secondary data to model purchased materials in their emissions inventories because primary data from suppliers is hard to come by. This use of industry-average data makes it difficult to choose between specific suppliers with any confidence that scope 3 emissions would decline as a result. Moreover, simply switching between suppliers is <a href="https://www.ecgi.global/blog/shaky-logic-corporate-emission-reduction-claims">unlikely to lead to immediate and additional emission reductions</a>.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Disruptive changes to suppliers: Can companies collaborate with existing suppliers to reduce upstream emissions? Actual experience with consumer product companies of all sizes suggests that it is challenging to identify the exact sources and production methods associated with most of the raw materials and ingredients purchased by these companies. Assuming a company could overcome the information challenges, actual reductions in upstream scope 3 emissions can only be achieved by convincing suppliers (and the suppliers&rsquo; suppliers recursively) to implement vast and disruptive changes to how they run their companies.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cost of removing carbon from value chains: The final barrier for most companies embarking on scope 3 decarbonization is cost. Emission reductions, like anything else in business, are not free and will require investment. Using a modest price of $15 per tonne of CO2e as a floor for the cost of actually removing carbon from value chains, decarbonization could cost upwards of <a href="https://kvenkatm.medium.com/who-will-pay-to-make-companies-carbon-neutral-8c09ce918004">0.5% to 3% of gross revenue</a> for companies in consumer sectors such as food, clothing, and personal care products.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Scope 1 and 2 reductions are not that easy either</h2>
Cutting scope 1 emissions would seem much simpler by comparison because companies have complete control over this, but reductions require electrification in most cases which in turn comes down to whether capital costs can be justified. If electrification of building heating, process heating, and company-owned transport can be undertaken then reductions in scope 1 emissions will be accompanied by increases in scope 2 emissions from electricity purchase.
Reducing scope 2 emissions brings its own <a href="https://kvenkatm.medium.com/we-need-a-better-way-of-purchasing-and-accounting-for-renewable-electricity-34c0ee66070e">set of difficulties</a>. Purchasing unbundled <a href="https://www.epa.gov/green-power-markets/renewable-energy-certificates-recs">renewable energy certificates (RECs)</a> is the easiest approach, but will likely do nothing in reality because almost all of these RECs are non-additional. Power purchase agreements (PPAs) for renewable electricity are much more likely to produce additional emission reductions, but purchasers will need to be able to absorb the <a href="https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/sites/static/files/2016-09/documents/webinar_kent_20160928.pdf">complexity and risks</a> associated with PPAs. This rules out small and medium-sized companies from participating in renewable electricity unless they have access to <a href="https://www.projectfinance.law/publications/2021/april/aggregated-ppas/">aggregated PPAs</a>. There is also a clear need for matching hourly electricity consumption with clean electricity production (known as <a href="https://www.gstatic.com/gumdrop/sustainability/24-7-explainer.pdf">24x7 carbon-free electricity</a>) which adds another dimension to the difficulty of cutting scope 2 emissions for real.
<h2>Comparing the company-centric and sector-centric models</h2>
Instead of every company looking at upstream suppliers and downstream logistics to rope into decarbonization efforts independent of what other companies are doing, what if we focused on critical sectors that serve a large number of companies in the economy? Sectors, in other words, that many value chains must pass through in order for the economy to function.&nbsp;
The diagram below illustrates a set of critical economic sectors, with the size of the circles roughly representing sector-level emissions. Even though there are economic transactions between sectors, sector-centric emission reductions would happen within each sector independent of its interactions with other sectors.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/0edf8b23fecc48f5aa3ab2f88de42015a7aa394e.jpg?" alt="set of critical economic sectors" />
Compare this to the next diagram which illustrates just one company with a relatively simple value chain. In a company-centric approach, the company at the center of this value chain will not only need to account for its share of the emissions from all the sectors it uses (both upstream and downstream) but also somehow implement a decarbonization strategy that involves many of those sectors.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/5b54f14d9d2f9abe9fea48296d2525a1b31c908d.jpg?" alt="" />
Now imagine millions of such companies, all trying to account for their value chain emissions (which mostly come from the same set of critical sectors) and looking to decarbonize on their own. The complexity and intractability of this undertaking would be off the charts. This is exactly where corporate emissions accounting and reduction targets are currently headed.
<h2>Focusing on sector-level decarbonization</h2>
A sector-centric approach would funnel money and resources into specific sectors that generate most of the emissions in the economy, helping to develop common technologies and practices that could be used widely by all companies within those sectors and radically reducing the cost of decarbonization across the economy.
Using the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-04/US-GHG-Inventory-2023-Main-Text.pdf">US national emissions inventory</a> as a guide, there are some obvious sectors at the center of the economy that should be (and increasingly are) the focal points for decarbonization:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Electric power generation is responsible for 25% of US emissions. With renewables already the <a href="https://www.irena.org/news/pressreleases/2022/Jul/Renewable-Power-Remains-Cost-Competitive-amid-Fossil-Fuel-Crisis">cheapest form of power</a> and battery technologies ramping up fast, broad decarbonization of the grid can happen simply by focusing on the power sector and directing investments to it. In the US, investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are expected to trigger a <a href="https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-09/Electricity_Emissions_Impacts_Inflation_Reduction_Act_Report_EPA-FINAL.pdf">49-83% reduction in power sector CO2 emissions</a> by 2030 (relative to 2005). None of this is predicated on every large/public company calculating its scope 2 emissions and then attempting to &ldquo;purchase&rdquo; renewable electricity.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Transportation produces 29% of US emissions and the bulk of this is in the form of energy-related CO2 emissions. The IRA and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law together are spurring electrification of transport which will result in <a href="https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/DOE%20OP%20Economy%20Wide%20Report_0.pdf">19-24% lower CO2</a> from US transport by 2030. This is not dependent on companies across the economy explicitly accounting for and attempting to reduce emissions from their use of goods and passenger transport.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Agriculture is responsible for 10% of US emissions. Just under half of this is N2O from agricultural soils, and most of the rest is CH4 and N2O produced by raising farm animals. The IRA includes a modest amount of funding for <a href="https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/02/13/biden-harris-administration-announces-availability-inflation">climate-smart agriculture</a>, which aims to develop practices like cover cropping and conservation tillage (although more research is needed to determine the effect on N2O emissions), but <a href="https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2022/8/13/23301768/inflation-reduction-act-agriculture-meat-dairy-farming-plant-based">ignores emissions from meat and dairy production</a>. Clearly, additional funding and mandates are needed to decarbonize agriculture. This, again, would be a sector-level initiative and not contingent on company-level emissions accounting.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Steel and cement production are among the other critical sectors that the economy depends on. Each of these generates less than 1% of US national emissions but is likely <a href="https://worldgbc.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/22123951/WorldGBC_Bringing_Embodied_Carbon_Upfront.pdf">higher globally</a>, with emissions coming from both the fossil-fuel-driven high process temperatures and direct CO2. Both of these sectors are expected to receive <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/16/climate/biden-climate-second-term.html">government funding and mandates</a> if the Biden administration returns for a second term. The built environment has historically accumulated a huge amount of embodied carbon from steel and cement, but all future construction can benefit directly from decarbonization in these two upstream sectors.</li>
</ul>
When critical sectors like these get on a clear decarbonization trajectory with adequate funding and mandates, all companies and products using those sectors also decarbonize without additional effort. The sector-centric approach would fix the emissions problem where the emissions actually occur. Regardless of how we choose to attribute emissions, the only places where we can cut emissions are at the sources of those emissions.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

To decarbonize, focus on sectors rather than companies

How to build decarbonisation capacity in ASEAN countries, particularly among emerging economies such as Laos, Timor-Leste and Cambodia

James

<h2>Paris Agreement Article 6 and ASEAN</h2>
I&rsquo;ve previously highlighted the imperative for ASEAN nations to <a href="https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/developing-sustainable-finance-for-a-net-zero-indonesia-opportunities-and-challenges">progress an ambitious climate agenda</a>. After all, these low to middle-income countries are growing at a rapid pace, and countries such as Indonesia are the<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/indonesia-clings-coal-despite-green-vision-economy-2021-09-20/"> world&rsquo;s 8th biggest carbon emitter</a>. It begs the question of how to build decarbonisation capacity in ASEAN countries, particularly among emerging economies such as Laos, Timor-Leste and Cambodia.
The finalisation of the <a href="https://www.edf.org/climate/implementing-paris-climate-agreement">Paris Agreement Article 6 rulebook</a> at COP26 provides the foundation for both private and public actors to leverage carbon markets to meet their climate goals. It helps provide foundations for legtimising, verifying and evaluating carbon trading and carbon credits - internalising what has previously been an adverse market externality.
Southeast Asia possesses the <a href="https://www.ieta.org/ieta-launches-asia-hub-in-singapore/#:~:text=Sitting%20at%20the%20heart%20of,complements%20the%20region's%20sustainability%20efforts.">highest density of carbon prospecting </a>for nature-based climate solutions - <a href="https://fulcrum.sg/the-untapped-potential-of-carbon-credit-trading-in-asean/">one-quarter of global solutions</a> to be precise. These include reforestation and blue carbon, given the extensive coastal ecosystems and forestation across the region. This positions ASEAN to provide services to originate, finance and trade carbon credits from and in the region - promoting enormous economic and environmental potential. This comes at a time when <a href="https://asia.lombardodier.com/en/contents/corporate-news/corporate/2023/march/thailand-tackles-sustainability-.html#:~:text=Thailand's%20new%20carbon%20credit%20exchange,curb%20its%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions.&amp;text=The%20exchange%2C%20FTIX%2C%20is%20an,achieve%20carbon%20neutrality%20by%202050.">Thailand launched its first carbon credit exchange </a>in 2022 and Malaysia launched its <a href="https://bcx.bursamalaysia.com/web">Bursa carbon exchange</a>, creating a promising carbon market future for ASEAN.&nbsp;
<h2>Singapore&rsquo;s potential for carbon servicing&nbsp;</h2>
Singapore has acted as a bastion of wealth and innovative prowess in the region, if not globally. Its development trajectory has been impressive, to say the least, and it is well positioned to be a <a href="https://www.nccs.gov.sg/singapores-climate-action/carbon-services-and-trading/">&lsquo;carbon servicing hub&rsquo; for ASEAN</a> - not just being a climate leader, but a major capacity builder for the region.&nbsp;
Singapore can leverage its position as an established professional services, trading, and financial hub, as well as its proximity to Southeast Asia, to be one of the largest carbon credit sources. Just last year, KPMG opened its <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/business/kpmg-singapore-launches-decarbonisation-hub-to-speed-up-asean-s-energy-transition">ASEAN Decarbonisation Hub </a>in Singapore, focused on retiring coal-fired power plants, replacing diesel with renewable energy and assessing the potential of the hydrogen market in ASEAN.&nbsp;
It is estimated that this could create a projected gross value added (GVA) of <a href="https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/business-insights/market-and-industry-reports/carbon-services-an-opportunity-for-singapore-to-support-global-and-regional-decarbonisation-goals.html">US$1.8-5.6 billion</a>, depending on the extent of future international climate change developments. Today, Singapore is home to <a href="https://www.nccs.gov.sg/singapores-climate-action/carbon-services-and-trading/">more than 70 organisations </a>providing carbon services, which is the highest concentration of service providers in South East Asia. Capacity amplifiers include the <a href="https://www.nus.edu.sg/cncs/">NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions</a> - promoting environmental integrity and evaluation for the success of nature-based solutions in the region. Being an international aviation and shipping hub also makes Singapore an attractive carbon credits trading hub for schemes such as the <a href="https://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/CORSIA/Pages/default.aspx">Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).</a>
Accompanying this, Singapore has incredibly robust and trusted institutions, deep capital markets and has been engaging in bilateral agreements for green economy arrangements. This includes a <a href="https://www.mti.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Releases/2022/10/Singapore-and-Thailand-Enhance-Bilateral-Economic-Relations-at-Sixth-Singapore-Thailand">Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC)</a> with Thailand that promotes cross-border carbon trading, and a <a href="https://carbon-pulse.com/218678/#:~:text=Vietnam%20and%20Singapore%20have%20signed,the%20two%20Southeast%20Asian%20nations.">Letter of Intent (LoI)</a> with Vietnam also advocating for bilateral carbon trading.&nbsp;
This also comes at a time when ASEAN-EU commercial relations are informed through the prism of the <a href="https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_en">Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)</a> - with ASEAN countries&rsquo; trade prospectively having to understand and conform to the European ESG landscape. Luckily, Singapore&rsquo;s global and regional function as a trading and commerce thoroughfare places <a href="https://asiatimes.com/2022/04/singapore-must-become-the-carbon-neutralizer-for-asia/">it in great stead to facilitate EU-ASEAN ESG discourse</a> and cross-border understandings, promoting seamless carbon reporting and compliance.&nbsp;
<h2>Barriers to Singapore&rsquo;s carbon servicing potential&nbsp;</h2>
However, there are still barriers to the uptake of carbon markets in ASEAN. For one, there is a <a href="https://www.sustainableviews.com/how-asean-countries-are-preparing-for-carbon-market-growth/">lack of consistent regulation, integrity and verification</a> for carbon credits, bringing into question their effectiveness in reducing emissions. This is indicative of <a href="https://www.iflr.com/article/2a647jipe3beilnuwfeo0/breaking-down-constraints-in-sustainable-finance-for-emerging-asian-economies">broader issues of sustainable finance interoperability </a>across the 11 ASEAN nationalities, hindering other aspects of sustainable finance across ASEAN as well.
Likewise, the instability and immaturity of some markets across ASEAN also demote it as an attractive investment option, which is a barrier to Singapore&rsquo;s broader engagement with the region&rsquo;s decarbonisation agenda. For example, criticism has been directed at Indonesia&rsquo;s new <a href="https://www.ojk.go.id/keuanganberkelanjutan/en/publication/detailsflibrary/2352/taksonomi-hijau-indonesia-edisi-1-0-2022">Green Taxonomy</a>&nbsp;and its <a href="https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/indonesia-green-taxonomy-1-0-yellow-does-not-mean-go/">questionable integrity and interoperability</a> with more mature sustainable finance taxonomies. Being a major player in ASEAN, Indonesia&rsquo;s questionable sustainable finance maturity is reading for concern for ASEAN as a whole.
This co-exists with broader market concerns of political stability, capital market maturity and corruption within other ASEAN countries. These concerns are not specific to sustainable finance, but nonetheless, present issues for Singapore&rsquo;s carbon servicing engagement with ASEAN.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Singapore has promising potential as a carbon servicing hub for ASEAN, but its success depends on the ability of other regional markets to enact robust and mature regulatory and capital market behaviours. Regardless of the present and future risks, ASEAN&rsquo;s decarbonisation is imperative for a sustainable and resilient Indo-Pacific, and more broadly, a more sustainable and resilient world.
As global economic prowess is increasingly intertwined with ESG maturity and alignment, this not only presents an opportunity for Singapore, but a necessity as the prime commercial actor for ASEAN.
Its success as a carbon servicing hub is yet to be clear, and only time will tell its level of success.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Singapore as a carbon servicing hub for ASEAN: prospects and barriers

That is the only question left to ask. We should ask it of our leaders, and ask it of our own hearts: do we really want this enough?

Christopher

<h2>The UN Secretary-General&rsquo;s burning question summons our better angels to New York</h2>
Antonio Guterres is speaking out again &ndash; and I love it.
It&rsquo;s fair to say that the UN hasn&rsquo;t had the best of starts to the 21st century. From Iraq to Covid, Xinjiang to Ukraine, it has been treated with disregard at best (and contempt at worst) by world powers, and struggled to make its voice heard.
The current Secretary-General is on a mission to change all that, and climate is where he&rsquo;s taking his stand. This year, Guterres has turned every stage he can find into a bully pulpit for the cause &ndash; and boy has he had some good lines.
<blockquote>
&ldquo;The polluted heart of the climate crisis [is] the fossil fuel industry.&rdquo;
&ldquo;What we need is the political will to forge a peace pact with nature.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The era of global warming has ended. The era of global boiling has arrived.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
But is the world ready to listen?
<h2>This cruel summer</h2>
At long last the answer might be yes. Of course, it helps when your warm-up act (excuse the pun) is the hottest summer in history. Heatwaves have scorched Europe, the US and Asia with record temperatures, touching 50&deg;C in places. Apocalyptic wildfires carved across continents in their wake. If not fire, then flood; Storms of unprecedented magnitude swept the globe, from Cyclones Freddy in Africa and Mocha in Myanmar to Typhoons Mawar and Doksuri in the Pacific. Even as the rest of Europe burned, Slovenia&rsquo;s PM declared flooding there the &lsquo;worst natural disaster ever&rsquo; to hit the country. Wherever you are, the climate crisis has arrived. It&rsquo;s here.&nbsp;
In the wake of such devastation, what is to be done? For Guterres, handwringing headlines are not enough:
<blockquote>
&lsquo;&lsquo;The evidence is everywhere: humanity has unleashed destruction. This must not inspire despair, but action. We can still stop the worst. But to do so we must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition."
</blockquote>
Amongst all his other great lines, this is my favorite climate quotation of the year &ndash; and a huge rallying cry.
<h2>The power of ambition</h2>
For all that we love a great turn of phrase, the time has come to turn words into action.&nbsp;
So far, we&rsquo;ve tried all sorts of motivational levers for human behavior change. Fear. Greed. Guilt and shame. They can work (for a while), but they all fundamentally shrink the human heart. They play on the darker angels of our nature.
Furthermore, they also reinforce the message that to reach net zero, we have to minimise the challenge. Avoid pain. Make it easy. Don&rsquo;t scare the horses.&nbsp;
But as the Secretary-General points out, none of that has got us to where we need to be. So rather than ask ourselves, &lsquo;how can we get to net zero with the least amount of change,&rsquo; what we really need to ask is:
<h2>Do we want this enough?</h2>
There is no longer much of a technical puzzle to solve. We understand the science; we have the technologies; the policy papers have been written. We have had acronyms coming out of our ears since Paris. Everything is in place.
So why has the arc of climate history &ndash; our emissions curve &ndash; still not bent towards justice? What are we waiting for?
I put it to you that we have not yet decided, collectively, that we want this enough. &nbsp;
A truly regenerative future is a vision of beauty. I wonder if we are too afraid to hope that it might come true. But we must want it more. We need to dream bigger, raise our expectations, and demand it arrives. Then we can put all our energy into making it happen.&nbsp;
That is where ambition comes in. When you truly want something &ndash; and your vision is ambitious enough &ndash; it fills you with energy. It sets a fire in your soul. It creates the drive to bring something into being, and it makes us feel alive in the process.
So we don&rsquo;t need to ask how to minimise the challenge of net-zero. We should instead embrace the enormity of it. Ambition, after all, is thrilling.
<h2>The Climate Ambition Summit &ndash; heeding the call</h2>
It&rsquo;s my hope that a politician will emerge who heeds this call. As Guterres has said, &lsquo;leaders must lead&hellip;No more waiting for others to move first.&rsquo;&nbsp;
This month, the Secretary-General convenes the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/climate-ambition-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Climate Ambition Summit</a> in New York, where he will urge countries to raise their game across mitigation, adaptation, and financial justice. The flagship demand of this Acceleration Agenda is to bring forward net-zero dates (and concomitant NDCs) by a decade. It is supported by demands for actual emissions cuts (without relying on offsets), actual phasing out of fossil fuels in the highest-emitting sectors, and actual money for the Green Climate Fund.&nbsp;
This is what ambition actually looks like. And when you want something enough &ndash; when you really want it &ndash; you can move mountains to make it happen.
That is the only question left to ask. We should ask it of our leaders, and ask it of our own hearts:
Do we really want this enough?
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Do we want this enough?

The current literature on Japanese energy security, resilience, and reliability, with an assessment of Japan's biggest energy problems today

Venera N.

This is the second part of a five-part research paper on improving energy and environmental security, resiliency, and reliability situations in Japan. You can find part one <a href="https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/policies-to-improve-energy-and-environmental-security-resilience-and-reliability-iv-a-case-study-on-japan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
The literature review is comprised of two sections. The first section describes the current literature on Japanese energy security, resilience, and reliability. In contrast, the second section familiarizes readers with the studies related to environmental security, resilience, and reliability issues. As indicated below, the literature review begins with an assessment of the energy-related problems in Japan.&nbsp;
<h2>Energy security, resilience, and reliability</h2>
Energy security is &ldquo;the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price&rdquo; (IEA, 2023a, para.1). This issue remains a priority for Japanese energy policy, national security, and defense strategies (NSS, 2022; JMD, 2022; IEA, 2021). METI (2019) describes cybersecurity guidelines for the energy aggregation sector (2019). Shiratori (2022) outlines three main challenges of the Japanese energy security situation: natural resources scarcity, electricity supply insecurity during the energy transition, and uncertainty about Russia as a stable energy supplier. Hugo and Kusumawarhana (2023) stress enhancing Japanese energy policy, diplomacy, and international cooperation to reach its energy security goals. Using an energy system optimization model, Otsuki et al. (2022) examined various cost-effective energy strategies to achieve Japan&rsquo;s carbon neutrality by 2050. The simulation results implied that a carefully balanced power generation mix, consisting of nuclear, renewables (RE), ammonia-fired, and gas-fired with carbon capture and storage (CCS), could assist in reducing mitigation costs. Shiraishi et al. (2023) claim that cost reductions in renewables (RE) and battery storage can help Japan obtain 90% of its electricity from clean electricity, thus meeting energy security and carbon neutrality goals. In contrast, IIEJ (2023) stresses the importance of liquified natural gas (LNG)&rsquo;s upstream investment and supply and related growth of blue hydrogen and ammonia to ensure Japanese energy security.
Energy resilience represents the energy system&rsquo;s capacity for preparing, avoiding, minimizing, adapting, and recovering from sudden and predictable energy disturbances to guarantee the system&rsquo;s dependability and accessibility adequate for mission readiness and assurance (CLS, n.d.). IEA (2021) describes the recent Japanese steps for strengthening its split electricity system, which has two frequency areas (50 Hz and 60 Hz), ten regional grids, and no cross-border interconnections. Ko et al. (2019) evaluate the potential for disaster-triggered community responses at regional and local levels, in four developed countries in the Asia-Pacific region, against the criteria for resilient energy systems. Cong and Gomi (2020) present evidence for energy resilience development in Fukushima prefecture after the 2011 earthquake. Esteban &amp; Portugal-Pereira (2014) explain their assessment of the feasibility of a 100% renewable energy electricity system, which could enhance Japanese energy resilience. Ahl et al. (2020) present a Japanese case study on using blockchain technology in energy systems. Sullivan (2022) explains that energy resilience can be enhanced through the effective preventative measures of preparing for highly variable weather by becoming &ldquo;anti-fragile.&rdquo;
Energy reliability is the power system's capability to survive various uncontrolled events, volatility, growing failures, and sudden loss of the power system's components (DOE, 2023). IEA (2021) describes the opportunities and challenges for Japanese energy reliability considering its energy system's complexity, ongoing energy transition, and the impact of the recent natural disasters on its power outages. Knuepher et al. (2022) describe the results obtained by their proprietary Energy Systems simulation model: 1) the misalignment between the development of new electricity generation capacity and the 5th Strategic Energy Plan's targets for generation share; and 2) no impact on energy reliability due to the regulatory shift to merit order dispatch, renewables and away from nuclear power. Lastly, McIlwaine et al. (2021) review embedded and distributed energy storage for energy systems. Next sub-section discusses environmental issues.
<h2>Environmental security, resilience, and reliability</h2>
First, environmental security is the ability of a society or a nation to endure environmental risks; asset scarcity (water, food, shelter); conflicts; and other adverse changes (Chalecki, 2002; Goodman, 2012). Trombetta (2008) delineates the discourse on environmental security and climate change. Sekiyama (2020; 2023) discusses Japan&rsquo;s lack of focus on environmental security until the 2020s. NSS (2022) outlines climate change, food problems, and environmental risks as current priorities for national security strategy. JMD (2022) describes the new Climate Change Taskforce, which analyzes the impact of climate change on Japan&rsquo;s security. Second, environmental resilience is an ecosystem&rsquo;s agile ability for environmental damage resistance, quick recovery, and reorganization while transforming into a system with identical structure, function, feedback, and identity (CSU, 2023). Osman (2021) analyzes the concepts of environmental resilience and resilient cities, applying more than 130 resilience indicators across Japanese local governments. Hunt (2009) discusses the importance of integrated policies (engineering, medical, social) for environmental resilience and sustainability. Ebisudani (2016) verifies the characteristics for developing various types of regional resilience in Japan.&nbsp;
Lastly, environmental reliability is its capacity to affect a country&rsquo;s various situations in a reliable or disruptive manner, namely through earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and cyclones (Sullivan, 2023). JMS (2020) describes trends in cyclones and extreme waves in Japan. Mavrodieva and Shaw (2020) discuss disaster risk and climate change policies, emphasizing adaptation and inclusiveness under the Japanese &ldquo;Society 5.0.&rdquo; government strategy in cooperation with the private sector. The next section proposed sectoral policy options applicable to Japan.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Policies to improve energy and environmental security, resilience, and reliability (II/V): a case study on Japan

A transformation is unfolding, driven by the dynamic creativity and unwavering commitment of young climate activists

Simran

Hugo

This article is part two of a two-part series on the role of youth in driving climate action. You can find part one <a href="https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/silent-majority-no-more-the-role-of-youth-in-driving-climate-action" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
In addition to spurring decision-makers' action on climate change, young people have acknowledged that delivering powerful messages through creative mediums is more than necessary to compel a broader cross-section of the population regarding the issue of climate change.
Since the first signs mentioning &ldquo;Skolstrejk f&ouml;r klimatet&rdquo; were held in front of the Swedish parliament, the Fridays For Future movement brought millions of people, predominantly led by the youth, down to the streets for what became the largest global climate marches in history.&nbsp;
At the core of this activism lies the bedrock of &lsquo;rock-solid&rsquo; scientific evidence detailing the reality of climate change and its far-reaching repercussions. This scientific foundation unequivocally highlights efforts our society should make to maintain the planet&rsquo;s habitability. Scientific reports from international organisations, brimming with insights, serve as guiding pillars that bolster advocacy voices.
Despite the looming pessimism stemming from governmental inertia in achieving mitigation targets, hope still perseveres. This optimism doesn&rsquo;t waver; instead, it fuels innovative responses that mirror the diversity of the environmental crisis. These responses, born out of creativity, illuminate various facets of the crisis, showcasing a breathtaking spectrum of approaches.
Directed by Slater Jewell-Kemker, &lsquo;<a href="https://www.youthunstoppable.com/film">Youth Unstoppable</a>&rsquo; chronicles the evolution of youth advocacy, tracing its origins from the inaugural Youth Summit for the Environment in Kobe in 2008 to the climate demonstrations that swept through global cities in 2019. The film captures the prevailing sentiments that have galvanised an entire generation, propelling them toward seizing control of their future and the planet they are poised to inherit.
Figure 1. Slater was 15 when she first began documenting youth-led climate action<img src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/e254bfc54ef9266d203d3a57a373847c29443570.png?" alt="climate rally" /> Credit: Youth Unstoppable
Beyond the compelling narrative of their advocacy, whether on the streets or in face-to-face encounters with world leaders, the documentary illuminates the broad spectrum of initiatives undertaken by global youth. This spectrum spans from serving as advisors in international forums to actively engaging in local adaptation projects and ingeniously raising awareness about the multifaceted impacts of climate change.&nbsp;
Art stands as a pivotal channel for expressing climate advocacy. The far-reaching impact of documentaries and films made even more accessible through streaming platforms and niche outlets like <a href="https://www.waterbear.com/onboarding">waterbear.com</a>, is being adeptly harnessed to inform, evoke emotions, and engage a broader audience. A vivid case in point is &lsquo;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7757874/">The Condor and the Eagle</a>&rsquo;, directed by Sophie and Cl&eacute;ment Guerra, offering a poignant portrayal of climate change&rsquo;s impact on indigenous communities and the spirited efforts of young activists to confront these pressing challenges.
By documenting these stories, Jewell-Kemker and Guerra enable the realisation that individuals are not inevitably powerless; on the contrary, a yet-to-be-determined range of contribution possibilities exists. The stories brought to the fore hold the potential to help others identify climate efforts within their reach. While the documentary genre often follows the stories of people making extraordinary commitments to the climate mission, it also emphasises the importance of more modest and attainable steps: everybody can find and undertake actions that align with their resources and abilities.
Spanning diverse disciplines, <a href="https://theperceptionalist.com/">Catherine Sarah Young&rsquo;s</a> innovative artworks explore multiple aspects of the environmental crisis. Notably, her creation &lsquo;<a href="https://theperceptionalist.com/tag/an-olfactory-portrait-of-the-amazon-rainforest/">An Olfactory Portrait of the Amazon Rainforest</a>&rsquo; captures the fragrances of Earth&rsquo;s largest forested area. Part of &lsquo;The Ephemeral Marvels Perfume Stores&rsquo; project, this piece is a testament to her unique approach, which includes a line of scents under threat of extinction. Young effectively communicates her message by engaging a fundamental aspect of human beings: their senses. Though the rationale for addressing climate change is hardly debatable, facts and numbers seem to be insufficient to steer action. Therefore, &lsquo;The Ephemeral Marvels Perfume Stores&rsquo; appeals to human emotions, unearthing people's deep affection, fear, and fascination for Nature. It awakens this unique blend of feelings that individuals can experience when encountering the most pristine natural spaces, like the Amazon Rainforest.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOjO6dyEAfkoxNM57JlpAdg">Eric Marky</a>, a member of Brazil&rsquo;s Terena People, uses emotional expression to fuse heritage and innovation. As a co-founder of M&iacute;dia &Iacute;ndia, an indigenous news agency, he expands his impact by delving into music, skilfully merging traditional melodies with electronic beats in his role as a DJ. His partnerships with indigenous vocalists to create powerful songs not only bring attention to the challenges faced by his community but also position him as an innovator known for his ground-breaking mixes.
Some young thinkers have embarked on a quest to confront the psychological toll of climate change. Bearing witness to natural disasters, the erosion of biodiversity, and global warming can lead to a profound fear known as eco-anxiety. This anxiety is intensified by the perception that Earth&rsquo;s health is crumbling beneath our feet and slipping through our fingers.
In September 2021, multiple universities surveyed 10,000 young people from 10 countries, revealing that 56 percent felt &ldquo;the future was doomed.&rdquo; Another study by the NGO &lsquo;<a href="https://www.forceofnature.xyz/">Forces of Nature</a>&rsquo;, founded by Clover Hogan, found that 70 percent of participants experienced hopelessness when contemplating climate change. Hogan, a trailblazer, advocates for addressing mental health issues arising from the environmental crisis. She established Forces of Nature to help channel anxiety and anger into constructive action. The organisation serves as a space for youth to voice their concerns, while also offering teacher training to facilitate better climate education and advising businesses on sustainability.
Hong Kong activist <a href="https://youtu.be/-saCw_VruKw">Tori Tsui</a> leverages the power of words, crafting a guide for managing eco-anxiety by encouraging diverse perspectives and community-led practices. Her book, &lsquo;<a href="https://www.toritsui.com/book">It&rsquo;s not just you</a>&rsquo;, delves deeper into the issue, revealing that eco-anxiety is not just triggered by the state of the planet but by how climate issues interact with and arise from broader societal injustices like sexism and racism.
Clover Hogan and Tori Tsui foster a sense of community among individuals grappling with the psychological toll of climate change. They recognize that establishing safe spaces to share concerns and raising awareness about others' shared experiences constitutes a significant step toward improvement and eventual healing.
Addressing mental health issues necessitates bridging the education gap regarding the environmental crisis. Two young scientists from Cambridge University founded <a href="https://climatescience.org/">ClimateScience</a> as the world&rsquo;s largest climate education platform. The organisation offers free educational resources, courses, videos, and tools to enhance climate literacy. They aim to empower individuals to combat climate change by providing easily accessible, scientifically accurate information.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
A transformation is unfolding, driven by the dynamic creativity and unwavering commitment of young climate activists. Their voices resonate through historic climate marches, compelling documentaries, and forward-looking artworks, sparking a fervent sense of purpose and optimism.
Recognising the pivotal influence of young voices in shaping and driving climate action, the United Nations is proactively engaging with youth. This commitment is realised by establishing two crucial mechanisms. The first is The UN Youth Envoy, which advocates for the rights and well-being of young individuals. They collaborate closely with UN Member States, civil society organisations, and youth communities to ensure that the UN's policies and initiatives address the needs and concerns of the younger generation. The second mechanism is The Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. This group unites seven exceptional young climate leaders entrusted with advising the UN Secretary-General regarding youth engagement. They also advocate for youth-led and youth-centred climate action, and they work on optimising UN activities to cater to the distinct requirements of young individuals.
These initiatives primarily aim to collect invaluable perspectives on the unique challenges and opportunities that young people encounter in the context of climate change and play a significant role in amplifying youth voices within the UN's climate change plans. Involving youth ensures that UN strategies remain adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of the people who will inherit our planet. As these visionary young leaders continue pushing boundaries and collaborating across disciplines, they vividly demonstrate the power of youth initiative, leading the way to a sustainable and harmonious future for our planet.
A version of this article is also published on&nbsp;<a href="https://energy-base.org/news/silent-majority-no-more-the-role-of-youth-in-driving-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BASE Foundation</a>. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

From words to waves: communicating climate science and politics

Regenerative finance (ReFi) is more than just a change agent; it is the architect of a sustainable revolution, particularly in the ASEAN region

Alex

Regenerative finance (II/II): transforming ASEAN's path to sustainability

Several common climate change myths and strategies to educate and empower individuals to address them

Gokul

Climate change looms as one of the defining challenges of our era, carrying profound consequences for both our planet and the well-being of future generations. Yet, despite the overwhelming consensus among scientists, persistent myths and misconceptions continue to shroud this critical issue. These myths not only obstruct progress in mitigating climate change but also fuel skepticism and resistance to the actions necessary for our survival. In this piece, we'll debunk several common climate change myths and explore strategies to educate and empower individuals to effectively address this global crisis.
<h2>Myth #1: "Climate change is just a natural cycle"</h2>
A pervasive myth suggests that climate change is solely a natural phenomenon, with no human involvement. Although Earth has witnessed natural climate variations throughout its history, the current rapid surge in global temperatures can be predominantly attributed to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. The consensus among climate scientists overwhelmingly affirms that human actions are the primary driver behind the unprecedented warming of our planet.
<h3>Debunking the myth:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Utilize credible sources: To counter this myth, we must provide robust scientific evidence from reputable organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and NASA.</li>
<li>Stress human impact: Clarify how human activities, particularly the release of greenhouse gases, are accelerating climate change.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Myth #2: "The Earth's climate has always changed"</h2>
While it is true that Earth's climate has undergone fluctuations over millions of years, the current rate of change is extraordinary. The swift escalation in global temperatures, coupled with extreme weather events and the melting of ice caps, represents a climate crisis exacerbated by human actions. Drawing comparisons between today's situation and past natural climate shifts oversimplifies the issue and fails to acknowledge the urgency of addressing human-induced climate change.
<h3>Debunking the myth</h3>
<ul>
<li>Highlight Unprecedented Speed of Change: Emphasize the rapidity at which global temperatures are escalating, far surpassing natural variability.</li>
<li>Describe Real-World Consequences: Illustrate the tangible impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, intensified weather events, and threats to ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Myth #3: "Climate change is a distant problem"</h2>
Some individuals perceive climate change as a concern for future generations, underestimating its immediate impact. This misconception overlooks the fact that climate change is already impacting communities worldwide. Rising sea levels, more frequent and severe wildfires, and disruptions in food and water supplies are evidence of the ongoing effects of climate change.
<h3>Debunking the myth</h3>
<ul>
<li>Provide Local Examples: Emphasize the local and regional consequences of climate change to make it relatable.</li>
<li>Discuss Immediate Solutions: Explain how taking action now can benefit both present and future generations.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Educating and empowering for a sustainable future</h2>
It is crucial to adopt effective strategies to eradicate climate change myths and educate climate skeptics. Some of the measures that should be considered by governments and the general society are the following:
<strong style="color: #172940; font-family: Inter, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', serif; font-size: 19px;">Communication
<ul>
<li>Complex scientific jargon can be a barrier to understanding for many people. Communicating climate change information in plain language and using relatable examples can help bridge this gap.</li>
<li>Recognize that different audiences may have varying levels of understanding and different concerns related to climate change. Tailoring your message to address specific concerns and values can make the information more relevant and persuasive.</li>
<li>Engaging in respectful conversations with climate skeptics is essential. Avoiding confrontational approaches and instead focusing on active listening and empathy can create a more open atmosphere for discussion.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Education</h3>
<ul>
<li>Start teaching about climate change in schools at an early age. Incorporate age-appropriate lessons into the curriculum to ensure that young people have a solid understanding of the science behind climate change.</li>
<li>Encourage students to think critically and evaluate information sources. Teach them to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation, empowering them to make informed decisions.</li>
<li>Emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of climate change, showing how it intersects with various fields such as science, economics, social sciences, and ethics to provide a holistic view of the issue.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Promote sustainable practices</h3>
<ul>
<li>Encourage individuals to take concrete steps in their daily lives to reduce their carbon footprint. This includes using public transportation, carpooling, conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and adopting energy-efficient technologies.</li>
<li>Advocate for and support the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Promote local renewable energy initiatives and policies.</li>
<li>Encourage community-based sustainability initiatives, such as community gardens, composting programs, and neighborhood clean-up events. These actions can foster a sense of collective responsibility and engagement.</li>
</ul>
<h3> Advocate for policy change</h3>
<ul>
<li>Get involved in climate activism and advocacy efforts. Attend local government meetings, write letters to elected officials, and participate in climate marches and rallies to voice your concerns.</li>
<li>Support political candidates who prioritize climate action and sustainable policies. Voting for leaders who are committed to addressing climate change is a powerful way to drive policy change.</li>
<li>Advocate for policies that promote the transition to renewable energy sources, carbon pricing mechanisms, and regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Lead by example</h3>
<ul>
<li>Adopt sustainable practices in your own life, such as reducing meat consumption, using energy-efficient appliances, and reducing single-use plastic consumption. Demonstrating these actions can inspire others to follow suit.</li>
<li>Share your experiences with adopting sustainable practices and their positive impact on your life. Personal anecdotes and success stories can resonate with others and motivate them to take action.</li>
<li>Work with local community groups, schools, and organizations to organize sustainability events, workshops, and initiatives that promote collective action.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Tackling climate change demands collective effort, and debunking myths stands as a crucial step toward informed action. By disseminating accurate information, underscoring the urgency of the issue, and empowering individuals to take meaningful steps, we can work together for a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet and generations to come. Climate change is not a myth; it is a reality we must confront unitedly.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Debunking climate change myths

Locavores believe in eating locally grown and produced food, but is this the most sustainable choice?

Lisa

ating locally produced food has proved more than a fad, it&rsquo;s become a badge for the socially conscious. Locavores believe in supporting their local farmers, their local economy, and what is perceived as the most ethical food chain. Here, Lisa De Vellis proffers a case that marries the locavore ethos with that of global food producers, illustrating how they can happily coexist for the benefit of us all.
With up to 811 million people currently going hungry every day, the 2030 goal of zero global hunger is on track to fail miserably. The fact that those who produce most of the world&rsquo;s food are themselves the most food insecure demonstrates how broken and unsustainable our global food systems are.
<h2>Food systems sustainability</h2>
Sustainability has three pillars: environmental, economic and social. While these factors can overlap and be mutually reinforcing, global food systems lack a co-ordinated sustainability approach.
Agriculture generates a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gases and is viewed in terms of environmental impact. Business interests based on economic and market-based considerations dominate supply chains, yet those producing the world&rsquo;s food suffer disproportionately.
<div class="calloutLeft">
Ethical diets such as eating local food have become a badge for the socially conscious.
</div>
Social sustainability prioritises human rights, enabling access to knowledge and resources. It is arguably the most overlooked and most important approach to sustainability in global food systems. Upskilling producers, securing land rights and access to fundamental commodities like higher-quality seeds and fertilisers would not only optimise farm-based practices but also drive economic and environmental sustainability.
Sustainability comes from the supply side. But the demand side should reinforce best practices.
Ethical diets such as eating local food have become a badge for the socially conscious. So-called &lsquo;locavores&rsquo; promote local eating as the sustainable choice. But instead of addressing the social inequalities and human-rights abuses within our global food systems, the locavore culture creates an alternative food system accessible only to the privileged few.
If we genuinely strive to eat our way to a more just and equitable world, the locavore ethos, which reallocates power and generates trust, can be applied to global food systems supporting human rights.
<h2>Meet the locavore</h2>
The locavore movement started in 2005 when three San Francisco Bay Area women challenged their community to only eat food from within a one hundred-mile radius.
Hypocrisies are pervasive among ethical diets and the locavore diet is no different.
Locavores believe in supporting their local farmers, their local economy, and what is perceived as the most ethical food chain by reducing the distance food travels; despite such systems not always having the lowest carbon footprint.
<div id="attachment_160244" class="wp-caption alignright">
Locavores believe in supporting their local farmers and opt for organic food
</div>
The line between local and global food has also become increasingly blurred. Few food systems are truly local anymore. Seeds, fertilisers and pesticides come from a globalised market, meaning that food grown next door may not be wholly homegrown.
However, the success of the locavore movement rests on two straightforward concepts: power and trust.
Shorter supply chains, which means fewer intermediaries between producers and consumers, are good. This gives farmers more power and helps consumers feel more connected to their food.
Shifting the power balance towards the farmer improves their access to knowledge and resources and consequently their ability to optimally manage the land and earn a fair living. By prioritising human interests, the locavore ethos enhances environmental and economic sustainability.
<h2>The global farmer versus the locavore</h2>
The concept of local eating goes back further than the modern locavore movement suggests.
Subsistence farming has existed ever since humans began cultivating the land; it entails crop cultivation for personal or household consumption as part of an economy where life is focused on accessing the essentials. Subsistence farmers are the original locavores, but by necessity rather than choice.
Today, paradoxically, millions of smallholder farmers, who are in closest proximity to the source of seventy percent of the world&rsquo;s food, struggle to access enough food for their own families to survive.
Access to sufficient, adequate food is a human right, yet smallholders are the most vulnerable to hunger, mainly because global food systems support business interests over human interests. This is precisely the unjust situation the locavore ethos protests through shorter supply chains.
UK locavores have the luxury of participating in niche markets, responding to social and political hot topics. They consume global products like chocolate, coffee, tea and coconut milk; and this is a good thing.
Since we are eating imports, the ethical-eating debate should include how to best reform our global food systems. The locavore ethos can be extended to our global food systems, shortening supply chains and enhancing social sustainability in the process, which would improve the lives of those on whom these systems rely.
<h2>Lessons from locavores</h2>
The locavore ethos hands power back to those closest to our global food sources, ensuring access to knowledge, resources and quality of life. Shifting power in favour of the grower would restore trust in and transform our global food systems, driving all aspects of sustainability.
The current state of global trade often encourages agricultural countries to export raw, unprocessed goods such as green coffee beans or cocoa beans to wealthier countries for processing. This processing adds value that businesses in wealthier nations profit from at the grower&rsquo;s expense.
Governance that supports value-added product transformation at origin, such as roasting green coffee beans or canning jams and spreads, is one way to shift power back to the farmer. This would accomplish the following three things:
<ol>
<li>Shorten the supply chain and reduce the number of players in between farmer and consumer</li>
<li>Remove business interests as the dominating voice in global food politics, shifting the focus to human interests</li>
<li>Increase the desirability of global foods by retaining origin specificity and fostering consumers&rsquo; connection to the farmer/producer.</li>
</ol>
Consumers should appreciate the origin-specific attributes of all sorts of global products in the same way they understand and value the origin specificity of wine.
This already exists with coffee, chocolate and other products to varying degrees, but it can be extended to many more. Essentially, the consumable should represent and promote the localness of a product, not only based on where the raw good was grown but by where and whom the food product was produced.
Even minor processing such as roasting beans, extracting oil, or canning fruits locally, would improve social sustainability and, by extension, promote human rights at the food&rsquo;s origin. In this way, a product destined for export may still be classified as a local product, even if consumed as an import. The consumer would experience a more personal connection with the product and smallholders would gain greater control of a higher-value commodity.
Shortening the supply chain, rebalancing power in favour of the farmer, and strengthening consumer connection are the foundation of the locavore philosophy. Applying this to our global food systems presents a major opportunity.
Models that depend on long supply chains and support business interests at the expense of human beings must be challenged. Transforming raw goods into higher-value products by smallholder co-operatives shortens the supply chain, prioritises human rights and development, and supports economic and environmental sustainability.
Processing pride would increase, as would product quality and consumer loyalty. It&rsquo;s a positive-feedback loop primed for mass support. But the policy environment and our personal food politics must overcome the pro-local mantra to create market demand in support of such development.
<h2>How locavores can reconcile a global diet</h2>
Locavores question the state of our industrial and global food systems. Such a critique is both valid and important.
Locavores understand that eating is a socio-political act. Local food choices can be viewed as supporting local people, economies and the environment and as resistance against a deeply flawed global system. But protesting the global food system while casually buying coffee, chocolate and coconut water doesn&rsquo;t make sense; especially when those producing our global foods are hungry. Ignoring this only makes it worse.
Locavores assume local food is good. The subtext is that imported food is bad. There is a danger in the de facto valuing of the local over the global. It&rsquo;s an anti-globalisation sentiment that ignores the realities of our food systems: that global smallholders are among the world&rsquo;s most vulnerable.
<h2>Prioritising human rights</h2>
International human rights law preserves the humanity and dignity of all. But as progress with global hunger moves in the wrong direction, this law is not being upheld. The values of respect and relationship-building that locavores reinforce at home should also extend to global foods.
A human-rights approach to global food systems would address governance, accountability and inequality, creating an enabling environment for the reallocation of power and environmentally sound farming practices.
This approach would, in turn, expand the choice of imported products processed at origin and enhance their perceived (and desirable) local character. Combined, these factors would establish a new foundation for consumer trust in global products.
Local may be better; but not always. Local and global foods can and should coexist to encourage sustainable practices and grant more choice and enjoyment to the consumer. But, primarily, food systems must honour and protect the human rights of those producing the world&rsquo;s food.
<div class="box">
This article is also published in <a href="https://www.newfoodmagazine.com/article/160228/how-locavores-can-improve-global-food-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Food Magazine</a>. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.
</div>

How locavores can improve global food systems

Real estate needs to adapt in a world where physical and digital borders are fading, technology advances at breakneck speed, and global connectivity has become the fabric that unites and transforms societies

Ronny

<h2>Introduction</h2>
In a constantly changing and evolving context, the real estate sector is in a whirlwind of transformations driven by a series of interconnected factors. Inflation, regulatory changes, rate fluctuations, and currency volatility have woven a constantly changing backdrop, capturing the attention and efforts of the protagonists of this scenario. While these immediate concerns demand agile responses and informed decisions, underlying this outlook is the even more monumental challenge of the fourth industrial revolution.&nbsp;
Real estate needs to adapt in a world where physical and digital borders are fading, technology advances at breakneck speed, and global connectivity has become the fabric that unites and transforms societies.
This revolution is not simply a transition towards digitalization; it is a metamorphosis that affects the very essence of how we inhabit, produce, and manage our cities. The intersection of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, augmented reality, and data analytics unleashes disruptive innovation that redefines traditional real estate paradigms.
<img src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/0e63f0a56616d1f4f1d260e4e7bab39bffd41c7e.jpeg?" alt="Real Estate in the Age of Transformation" />
<h2>Revisiting paradigms: economics and real estate in the age of transformation</h2>
The term "real estate" has deep roots in the Greek concept "oikos", which refers to the "big house" that houses everyone. This everyone's house encompasses the physical aspects of the habitat and the complex relationships established between people and their environment. This interaction between people and living space reflects the essential core of real estate. In this sense, real estate is not merely the construction of buildings but the management of an environment where lives develop and intertwine.
The notion of "oikos" is at the root of ecology and economics. Ecology involves a deep understanding of the big house and the responsibility that falls on those who shape and manage the habitat. On the other hand, economics originates in managing everyone's house, addressing how to satisfy human needs by allocating scarce resources.
Historically, economics was rooted in the notion of scarcity and materiality. Wealth was measured by the accumulation of material goods and the distribution of limited resources. However, in the current era, marked by the explosion of information and technology, the economy has evolved profoundly. Economic fundamentals have changed from the material to the intangible. Information, data, and creativity are the pillars supporting value generation.
Society moves beyond an economy based on physical objects and scarcity towards an economy based on innovation, information, and abundance. In this new economy, technology and creativity are the catalysts for value. Network dynamics and global interconnection have redefined how we create, share, and use resources.
In this context, real estate cannot remain immune to change. Although construction remains crucial, technological advances transform how we conceive, design, build, and manage habitats. New materials, sustainable construction methods, renewable energy, and computer-aided design processes shape the sector's evolution.
<h2>The economy of innovation and change in real estate: embracing the "other real estate"</h2>
The world of real estate is immersed in a profound transformation that encompasses multiple interconnected dimensions. This transformation manifests itself in four crucial areas: changing scenarios, evolving behaviors, new actors involved, and how the game's rules are being redefined. In this era of accelerated change, the mere evolutionary process is not enough; It is the disruption that makes the difference. And this disruption does not lie in modifying the answers but in questioning the questions themselves.
Changing scenarios and evolving behaviors: Real estate scenarios are in constant flux. Economic, political, technological, and social factors interact in new and unpredictable ways. Consumer behaviors are also evolving rapidly. Younger generations, technology, and the demands of an ever-changing society are redefining housing, work, and lifestyle preferences. These changes challenge how spaces are designed, built, marketed, and managed.
New actors involved and evolving rules: The dynamics of real estate are being reconfigured by the entry of new actors and the redefinition of roles. Tech startups and PropTech companies are revolutionizing how construction, investment, and property management challenges are addressed. Furthermore, government regulations and policies constantly change, which implies adapting to new regulatory frameworks.
The change in the forms of change: Traditional ways of changing and evolving are redefined. Linear and unidirectional development models are being surpassed by more collaborative approaches based on co-creation. Innovation is not limited to a single source; It emerges from the synergy between diverse actors, capacities, and perspectives.&nbsp;
Questioning paradigms and creating the "other real estate": In this context of constant and accelerated change, persisting in conventional approaches is insufficient. True innovation questions established paradigms and challenges assumptions. Disruption, radical transformation, emerges from new questions and unexplored angles.&nbsp;
Creating an "other real estate" stems from embracing this mentality and thinking differently. It's not just adopting new technologies but fundamentally reimagining living spaces' creation, management, and experience. This entails exploring business models, fostering collaboration, adopting sustainability, and creating value for changing societal needs.
<h2>Revolution in business models and use of technology: embracing the digital transformation of real estate</h2>
Technology adoption is a prevailing need in real estate. However, its implementation is more than incorporating technological tools. True innovation in real estate emerges from a transformation involving reimagining reality through strategic technology application and redefining management models. At this intersection of traditional and disruptive, we merge two worlds: cautious conventional real estate and the rapid 4th Industrial Revolution. Success lies in recodifying methods for building and inhabiting cities and adapting to the 21st-century landscape.
Digital transformation beyond technology: Adopting technology in real estate goes beyond merely incorporating digital tools. It's about embracing a mindset of change and leveraging technology as an enabler for transformation. This transformation ranges from how we design and construct buildings to how we market and manage them. True innovation occurs when these digital tools trigger a systemic change in our thinking about the human habitat.
The challenge of merging two realities: During technology adoption, we face a crucial challenge: plunge real estate's traditionally slow pace with the industry's revolutionary acceleration. Real estate's design, construction, and management stages tend to be meticulous and detailed, in contrast to technology's fast-paced and adaptable nature. This convergence between traditional and modern requires an approach that integrates technology and reconfigures processes to take advantage of the speed and agility it offers.
Re-coding methods for the 21st century: The key to navigating this revolution lies in recodifying our methods of city-making. This involves a change in mindset and a willingness to leave behind outdated practices that no longer align with the changing needs of modern society. The digital transformation of real estate goes beyond adopting cutting-edge tools; it is about creating new business models, embracing collaboration and co-creation, and building more comprehensive and personalized experiences for the people who inhabit and use the spaces.
The vision of a sustainable housing future: The digital transformation of real estate is not only a technological evolution but a movement toward creating a more sustainable, intelligent, and inclusive housing future. Collaboration across sectors and the adoption of PropTech solutions can drive the creation of more connected and resilient communities.
<img src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/4c942db6843e88c028e4e4560de31043fd064adf.png?" alt="Proptech definition" />
<h2>The exponential response in the transformation of real estate: weaving networks of innovation</h2>
Amid the exponential change that characterizes our times, the real estate sector must redefine its approaches and embrace an exponential response. This response is not based on incremental adjustments but on radical change that extends across three key dimensions: what, how, and why.
<h3>What? - Collaborative economy</h3>
At the center of the exponential response is the collaborative economy. Collaboration and co-creation are fundamental to generating exponential responses. Network and cooperation with other sector actors allow us to share resources and knowledge, creating synergies that multiply results. Joining forces reduces costs and increases impact, creating a dynamic where the whole exceeds the sum of parts. The collaborative economy propels the shift from incremental solutions to exponential transformations.
<h3>How? - Redesign of models and use of technology</h3>
Exponential transformation necessitates redesigning management models and technology integration. The premise is an &ldquo;always in beta&rdquo; mentality, where approaches and models constantly evolve. Innovation isn't a one-time event but a continuous process. Incorporating technology isn't superficial but a profound reconfiguration of operations. Embracing technology as a transformation tool accelerates the adoption of exponential responses.
<h3>Why? - Triple impact</h3>
The exponential response extends beyond efficiency and innovation. It's about creating a sustainable impact on our communities and environments, focusing on economic, social, and environmental factors. Our actions and projects should transcend mere financial gain. Promoting initiatives with a positive impact in these three dimensions creates sustainable solutions to challenges. The exponential response drives an equitable, healthy, and prosperous housing future.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
The exponential response in real estate is not just a strategy but a mindset and a way of approaching challenges and opportunities. We can transcend conventional approaches and achieve exponential impact by weaving collaborative networks, redesigning management models, and strategically adopting technology. The key is to embrace constant evolution, collaboration, and value generation including the financial approach.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Transforming real estate in the era of the 4th industrial revolution

A reevaluation of energy practices and investments is imperative for transitioning towards cleaner, more efficient energy solutions, with LNG serving as a focal point in this global discourse

Diego

<h2>Understanding LNG and energy availability</h2>
It's common to hear discussions about energy by those without firsthand knowledge of the subject, especially regarding Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). The primary concern is whether there's sufficient availability to export LNG from gas-producing regions worldwide. At the moment, the availability is resoundingly insufficient.
To grasp the availability of LNG, understanding terminal development and regasification is crucial, as is knowing the time investment required for these processes. Prospective investors often wonder about the return on investment timelines. Profitability in this sector is directly tied to the legal frameworks of the resource-rich nations and the legislations governing LNG trade, which primarily exist in developed countries.
<h2>Economic capitalization and return risks</h2>
Various industry reports underscore the tremendous potential of LNG, projecting its viability for the next five years. However, they clarify that the profitability of LNG is likely to decline after 10 to 20 years, making it a risky venture for investors. This forecast impacts investment influx, especially in countries like Argentina that possess the capacity but lack the necessary infrastructure.
Investment in an LNG terminal can range from 3,000 to 10,000 million dollars, with construction timelines spanning 24 to 60 uninterrupted and continuous months.
<h2>Global demand and terminal capacities</h2>
There are 83 operational terminals spread across 23 countries, boasting a total capacity of 572 million tons of weight, equivalent to 1,276 million cubic meters of LNG. Between January and September, European countries experienced a surge in LNG demand. However, this heightened demand from Europe results in price escalations and diminished availability, affecting importing nations adversely.
Currently, around 600 methane tankers are in operation, with sizes ranging up to 266,000 m3. The compression of LNG is 600 times at -192&deg; Celsius, allowing for efficient transportation. After transport, regasification restores its consumable state, i.e., natural gas. However, the availability of these ships and regasification units is constrained, impacting global LNG accessibility.
There are 23 operational regasification plants in Europe, with six situated in Spain. The total annual consumption of the European Community is 490 billion m3, highlighting the inefficiencies and environmental impacts of replacing gas with LNG through the regasification process.
<h2>Analysis: the future of LNG energy</h2>
A decline in LNG energy utilization is anticipated post-2030 due to a transition to cleaner energy sources. Given the investment and financing timelines, the return variable could range from 2 to 5 years in the most optimistic scenarios, suggesting non-viability in the long run.
Promises from the United States to offset Europe's dependence on Russia by sending LNG reserves seem questionable, considering LNG is classified as fossil energy and was removed from the list of renewables.
Often, discussions about LNG overlook the crucial role of logistics, which significantly influences market values. The relocation of empty ships and the regasification processes can potentially increase LNG prices between 16% and 19%.
Shell's profit generation is triple its annual projections, benefitting a select group of VIP shareholders through dividend liquidation. This scenario elucidates the disproportionate distribution of war benefits.
<h2>Reflection: investment in energy transition</h2>
Would compensating losses due to rising international inflation or investing in energy transition be better solutions? Investments in cleaner practices and technologies could revitalize the economies of countries not rich in energy, increasing their GDP, enabling companies to consume clean energy, and reducing pollutant emissions.
While logical and sustainable solutions are available, the world continues to bear the brunt of unsustainable consumer ambitions. A reevaluation of energy practices and investments is imperative for transitioning towards cleaner, more efficient energy solutions, with LNG serving as a focal point in this crucial global discourse.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Maritime: LNG as a solution or an anchor?

Recent summits in New York exposed substantial gaps between ambitions and reality on emission cuts, climate finance, fossil fuel phase-down and resilience that must be confronted at COP28 to restore faith in climate action

Kevin

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement adopted by the UN in 2015 set 2030 as the deadline for commitments. As 2023 marks the halfway point, it is time to take stock of progress. Hence, the UN convened the SDG and Climate Ambition Summits during the 78th UN General Assembly this September, gathering world leaders to assess advances on the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement. What revelations do the two summits hold for global and Hong Kong climate action? This article will conduct an in-depth analysis.
In fact, ahead of COP27 in Egypt last year, the UNFCCC estimated based on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by governments that if countries only fulfil existing NDC pledges, global temperatures would still rise 2.4-2.6&deg;C above pre-industrial levels by end-century, far exceeding the Paris Agreement's 1.5&deg;C limit. In other words, current climate action remains insufficient to control global warming.
Ahead of the two summits, the G20 also held a leaders' summit in India. The leaders' declaration notably pledged to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency improvements across sectors by 2030, kick-starting new round of global climate action commitments.&nbsp;
However, while world leaders reaffirmed accelerating climate action at the two UN summits, few new concrete pledges emerged. UN leaders warned progress on the SDGs was already off track, derailed by the pandemic, conflicts and climate change. If targets are missed, hard-won gains could easily unravel. The summits exposed substantial gaps between ambitions and reality on emission cuts, climate finance, fossil fuel phase-down and resilience that must be confronted at COP28 to restore faith in climate action.
<h2>Climate change is the biggest threat to advancing the SDGs</h2>
At the SDG Summit, leaders from vulnerable developing countries gave impassioned speeches on the severe damage already caused by global warming, criticizing wealthy countries for saddling victims with costs and implications for the SDGs.
Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka noted rising frustration over delayed approvals for climate projects amid worsening cyclones, sea level rise and coral bleaching that threaten island communities' sustainable development. Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley asserted that persistent hunger amid global food abundance shows current development models have clearly failed to provide dignity and decent lives for all. Other small island developing state leaders emphasized entire countries now face existential threats to their survival. Meanwhile across Africa and Asia, progress reducing poverty, hunger and biodiversity loss is being undermined by worsening climate disasters.
These leaders pointed out the hypocrisy of poor countries bearing climate impact costs and funding global mitigation and adaptation, while wealthy countries serially fail to deliver on $100 billion annually in finance support as promised. Such duplicity is intolerable. So far, rich countries have also not made further concrete commitments to increase climate finance for poor countries. The SDG Summit sent an important message that climate change poses an existential threat worldwide, threatening global sustainable development.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>Major emitters in the spotlight for condemnation at Climate Ambition Summit</h2>
While major emitters have made emission cut pledges, lack of progress on some key issues remains, notably only agreeing to phase down rather than phase out fossil fuels at COP26 in Glasgow two years ago, to great civil society disappointment. During the one-day Climate Ambition Summit, leaders of climate vulnerable countries gave further powerful testimonies on the escalating climate disasters their communities face, while condemning major emitters for shirking responsibility.
Saint Lucia's Prime Minister Philip Pierre condemned major emitters for disregarding the consequences of their actions. Marshall Islands' President David Kabua announced joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, pushing for shipping decarbonisation, proposing a greenhouse gas levy, and inviting countries to join the High Ambition Coalition for 1.5&deg;C. Their voices conveyed the crisis confronting islands and coastal regions worldwide. Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley accused fossil fuel corporations of deliberately accelerating the climate crisis through deception while reaping massive profits. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro urged leaving oil and gas unexploited, compensating affected countries, eliminating emissions and protecting carbon sinks.
Civil society groups and some world leaders continue calling for countries to rapidly phase out rather than just phase down fossil fuel production in line with 1.5&deg;C pathways. Strong condemnation of the fossil fuel industry also resonated, accusing them of deliberately delaying climate action for decades through public deception and lobbying to continue reaping huge profits.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Currently, most countries' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) remain insufficient for Paris Agreement goals. Credibility of net zero targets in many countries remains low, leaving ample room for greenwashing. Moreover, major emitters have yet to agree on timelines for reducing fossil fuel production and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. And developed countries have not proposed concrete commitments on significantly increasing overseas development assistance, expanding concessional finance access, providing major debt relief and delivering technology and capacity building transfer.
Although the summits did not achieve breakthroughs on these key demands gaining traction in developing countries, such as continuing to invite developing countries to join the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiated by Pacific island countries and advocating fossil fuel phase-out timelines consistent with the Paris Agreement, the voices on these issues are only growing louder.&nbsp;
<h2>Climate action momentum building but no breakthroughs on key issues&nbsp;</h2>
Furthermore, expanding climate finance for developing countries will be a focus for COP28. Leaders at the Climate Ambition Summit stressed commitments from major economies remain far short of emission cuts by 2030 consistent with 1.5&deg;C pathways, which require 45-50% reductions from 2010 levels. Meanwhile, climate finance pledges approach $100 billion annually but only 80% has been delivered, mostly as loans, with less than 10% for adaptation. Financing remains far from sufficient for vulnerable countries to address climate change impacts.
The funding mechanism for loss and damage passed at COP27 last year will also be in the spotlight. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stressed wealthy countries must bring bold new climate finance plans to COP28, especially on adaptation and operationalizing loss and damage funding, which is crucial for restoring global confidence and trust in the multilateral process. However, up to the June Bonn intersessional climate talks, these summits, and the latest round of transitional committee meetings on the funding mechanism, there are still no signs of bridging developed and developing country differences on financing modalities, nor any indication of progress on sources of funding. This suggests substantial challenges remain for COP28 to deliver concrete assistance to climate-impacted vulnerable countries incurring loss and damage.&nbsp;
Moreover, while proposals gained support on carbon pricing, debt-for-climate swaps, reforming multilateral development banks, setting adaptation goals and other innovative financing solutions, the summits did not translate these vital issues into tangible outcomes. COP28 must embed these widely backed recommendations into its action plan.
<h2>Growing roles for subnational governments and youth in climate action</h2>
The Climate Ambition Summit also started acknowledging the role of subnational governments in climate action, with the prominent example of California Governor Gavin Newsom participating, noting the climate crisis was created by the fossil fuel industry and demanding oil companies be held accountable for decades of corruption and deceit. This shows local authorities, despite not being UN members, are increasingly gaining recognition in UN processes.
In fact, local governments constitute one of nine observer constituencies under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and can participate in technical meetings and some negotiating sessions to implement the Paris Agreement. Moreover, the COP28 Presidency recently announced a Local Climate Action Summit during COP28, branding it the Cities COP, aiming to actively engage cities and local authorities and strengthen their capabilities to address climate change.&nbsp;
As a city, Hong Kong SAR, though not a UN member, has an obligation to implement the Paris Agreement since the central government announced its applicability to Hong Kong in 2016. Hong Kong enjoys greater capabilities to fulfil relevant agreements than many other Asian cities, including in finance, technology and talent. For instance, many Asian cities require central government or even foreign assistance to fund climate action, which Hong Kong does not. Hence, Hong Kong still has much untapped potential to enhance and accelerate climate action beyond existing goals in the Climate Action Plan 2050. As of today, I still have not received news of Hong Kong SAR officials attending COP28. We hope they will participate and demonstrate Hong Kong's climate ambitions to cities worldwide.
Meanwhile, besides local governments, youth is also one of the observer constituencies under the UNFCCC. Fijian youth representative Vishal Prasad urged countries to consider climate justice and youth rights when presenting views before the International Court of Justice. Costa Rican youth representative Genaro Mat&iacute;as Godoy Gonz&aacute;lez proposed levies on aviation, shipping and pollution to fund climate action while insisting developed countries uphold finance commitments. Their voices expressed anger at ongoing climate inaction and amplified demands for global climate justice and just transition. COP28 must respond to these swelling calls, especially from youths facing the climate emergency.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2>The road to a climate-just future starts from COP28</h2>
In conclusion, the two summits underscored the urgency of climate action and unity against converging crises, as well as the imperative to accelerate collective efforts to close 1.5&deg;C gaps through necessary systemic reforms that ensure climate actions consistent with 1.5&deg;C pathways adhere to climate justice. However, leaders also cautioned progress could still be undermined by delays, while current climate action remains far from meeting vulnerable regions&rsquo; needs for economic transformation, resilience building and addressing loss and damage finance.
COP28 presents the opportunity to convert ambitious visions into implemented solutions through courageous leadership and cooperation. The world is beset by multiple crises. Guided by the SDGs and Paris Agreement, COP28 must build bridges between developed and emerging economies to:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Complete the first Global Stocktake, evaluating and ratcheting up countries' climate action pace;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Countries submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term emission reduction strategies, enhancing commitments and targets towards 1.5&deg;C goals;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Comprehensively phase out rather than just phase down fossil fuel production and consumption, enabling rapid renewable energy transitions;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Deliver and expand climate finance commitments supporting mitigation and adaptation work, addressing loss and damage financing needs;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Operationalize funding arrangements for loss and damage in regions already facing climate impacts;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Through capacity building and just transition programmes, enable workers and communities to transition from carbon-intensive sectors into new livelihoods;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reform financial systems to unlock public and private capital flows into projects aligned with 1.5&deg;C objectives;&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Initiate discussions on ramping up developed countries' climate finance commitments to developing countries post-2025;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Strengthen developing country leadership in shaping solutions that uphold climate justice and human rights.</li>
</ul>
Hong Kong, as an international city, has an obligation and responsibility to implement the Paris Agreement and scale up climate action in line with the latest science. There are opportunities for Hong Kong to further enhance its ambitions and leadership in response to swelling international calls for bolder climate action. This includes showcasing locally-appropriate solutions at COP28 and beyond that accelerate decarbonisation while upholding social equity and justice. Fulfilling Hong Kong's climate responsibilities as part of the global community requires urgent, cooperative efforts across society and courageous leadership. Through concerted local and global climate action, we can secure dignified, prosperous lives for all and build a just, equitable and sustainable future.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.
<h3>References</h3>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">https://www.carbonbrief.org/debriefed-22-september-2023-uns-first-climate-ambition-summit-uk-govts-climate-u-turn-how-to-protect-the-north-east-atlantic/</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">https://enb.iisd.org/un-summits-week-2023-daily-report-19sep2023</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">https://enb.iisd.org/un-summits-week-2023-daily-report-20sep2023</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">https://enb.iisd.org/un-summits-week-2023-summary</li>
</ol>

Urgent climate action called for at UN summits ahead of COP28

As international businesses (mostly) retreat from Russia, the same ethical decision-making is not applied to Myanmar’s military junta

Adrian

Since President Vladimir Putin&rsquo;s invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February last year, the departure of the international business community has been rapid.
Large&nbsp;<a href="https://capitalmonitor.ai/institution/banks/banks-exit-statements-highlight-dilemma-as-russia-exodus-begins/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="https://capitalmonitor.ai/institution/banks/banks-exit-statements-highlight-dilemma-as-russia-exodus-begins/">international banks</a>&nbsp;like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank and Citi all said their&nbsp;do svidaniyas, most major index providers and passive fund managers&nbsp;<a href="https://capitalmonitor.ai/asset-class/equity/russia-exclusions-raise-questions-for-passive-investing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="https://capitalmonitor.ai/asset-class/equity/russia-exclusions-raise-questions-for-passive-investing/">removed Russia</a>&nbsp;from their products, and the number of international companies with operations in Russia&nbsp;<a href="https://capitalmonitor.ai/factor/social/russia-stock-investors-not-penalising-companies-for-staying-or-going/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="https://capitalmonitor.ai/factor/social/russia-stock-investors-not-penalising-companies-for-staying-or-going/">remains</a>&nbsp;small and continues to shrink.
&ldquo;Increasingly, any association [with Russia] is being interpreted as support of the regime,&rdquo; Oana Branzei, strategy and sustainability professor at the Ivey Business School in Ontario,&nbsp;<a href="https://capitalmonitor.ai/strategy/responsilbe/russia-sanctions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="https://capitalmonitor.ai/strategy/responsilbe/russia-sanctions/">told</a>&nbsp;Capital Monitor&nbsp;last year.
<div id="slot-one"></div>
The opprobrium heaped on multinational consumer packaged goods company Unilever at the beginning of July was significant when it emerged that it had not only refused to leave Russia, it had seen its profits in the country almost double to Rub9.2bn ($99m) in 2022 and&nbsp;<a href="https://b4ukraine.org/pdf/Unilever3.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="https://b4ukraine.org/pdf/Unilever3.pdf">had paid</a>&nbsp;taxes of Rub3.8bn last year.
The company owns eight Russian enterprises, including a margarine factory in Moscow, a sauce factory, a tea-packing factory as well as a perfume and cosmetics factory in St. Petersburg, a food factory and an ice cream factory in Tula, as well as ice cream factories in Novosibirsk and Omsk.
As this emerged, the company was put on the International Sponsor of War&nbsp;<a href="https://sanctions.nazk.gov.ua/en/boycott/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="https://sanctions.nazk.gov.ua/en/boycott/">watchlist</a>&nbsp;by the Ukrainian government &ndash; a list Kyiv keeps of those who refuse to cease doing business with Russia, as opposed to a more global list of corporations that deal with militant states.
&ldquo;Unilever uses the words &lsquo;least bad option&rsquo; to justify staying in Russia. These can be translated into plain English as &lsquo;most profitable option&rsquo;,&rdquo; says Mark Dixon, founder of the Moral Rating Agency.
<h2 id="h-no-end-in-sight-to-myanmar-s-troubles">No end in sight to Myanmar&rsquo;s troubles</h2>
But there has been little attention on continued corporate engagement with conflict on the other side of the world: in Myanmar.
Since a military coup d&rsquo;&eacute;tat in February 2021, which took place only three months after Aung San Suu Kyi&rsquo;s National League for Democracy (NLD) party won a landslide victory in parliamentary elections, the Burmese military junta has declined to negotiate either with the resistance movement or regional organisations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United Nations.
<div class="july22-newsletter">
A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-civil-war-in-myanmar-no-end-in-sight/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-civil-war-in-myanmar-no-end-in-sight/">commentary</a> from the US think tank The Brookings Institution earlier this year predicted that the civil war inside Myanmar is likely to only escalate this year and that &ldquo;there is no end to the country&rsquo;s troubles in sight&rdquo;.
The international response has been crystal clear. &ldquo;Accountability is the only way to end the military&rsquo;s culture of impunity,&rdquo; said Simon Manley, the British permanent representative to the WTO and UN in Geneva, in a speech at the beginning of April.
Although a large number of banks have&nbsp;<a href="https://global-uploads.webflow.com/5e691d0b7de02f1fd6919876/6100d62a7a17f9a41bc48573_210726_FINAL%20Investing%20in%20the%20Military%20Cartel_updated%20report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="https://global-uploads.webflow.com/5e691d0b7de02f1fd6919876/6100d62a7a17f9a41bc48573_210726_FINAL%20Investing%20in%20the%20Military%20Cartel_updated%20report.pdf">pulled out</a>&nbsp;&ndash; there were 19 in 2021 &ndash; a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.info-birmanie.org/wp-content/uploads/Investing-in-MM-Military-cartel-ENG.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="http://www.info-birmanie.org/wp-content/uploads/Investing-in-MM-Military-cartel-ENG.pdf">report</a>&nbsp;in early July from Dutch NGO BankTrack points out that more than two years after the coup in Myanmar, five French banks and a pension fund continue to invest in 22 companies linked to the Myanmar military junta [see chart].
This not only blasts through Sustainable Development Goal 16 &ndash; to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development &ndash; it raises governance questions about violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms under France&rsquo;s duty of care law from 2017, quite apart from the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Cr&eacute;dit Agricole, La Banque Postale, the BPCE group, BNP Paribas, Soci&eacute;t&eacute; G&eacute;n&eacute;rale and the pension fund Fonds de R&eacute;serve pour les Retraites (FRR) have invested more than $6bn into companies linked to the military. Three-quarters of the funds are in the fossil fuel sector, but there have also been investments in companies that sell arms to the junta as well as telecoms companies that, it is claimed, enable the junta&rsquo;s surveillance.
&ldquo;It is unacceptable that French banks and a pension fund continue to invest in companies with known ties to the Myanmar military junta,&rdquo; says Yadanar Maung, spokesperson for activist group Justice For Myanmar.
<h2 id="h-an-unacceptable-risk">An unacceptable risk</h2>
With just over $4bn in holdings, the report calls Cr&eacute;dit Agricole &ldquo;by far the largest investor in companies with ties to Myanmar&rsquo;s military junta&rdquo;.
The majority of those holdings (83.2%) are within the fossil fuel sector.
Companies like US energy corporation Chevron, Indian natural gas company GAIL and Thailand&rsquo;s PTT Exploration as well as oil services companies Halliburton and Weatherford International all have commercial partnerships with Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).
But the report also confirms that the French bank has invested more than $4m in companies in what are called Category 1 firms &ndash; those in the arms and military equipment sectors &ndash; like Indian government-owned aerospace and defence electronics company Bharat Electronics and Beijing-based civil aviation group AviChina Industry &amp; Technology.
A Human Rights Council&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/countries/myanmar/crp-sr-myanmar-2023-05-17.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/countries/myanmar/crp-sr-myanmar-2023-05-17.pdf">report</a>&nbsp;in mid-May highlighted that the $267m trade from China and $51m trade from India to the Myanmar military comes from both state-owned and private entities.
In January, this year, Norges Bank specifically&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbim.no/en/the-fund/news-list/2023/decisions-on-exclusion/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mrf-link="https://www.nbim.no/en/the-fund/news-list/2023/decisions-on-exclusion/">excluded</a>&nbsp;these two companies from the Government Pension Fund Global, &ldquo;due to unacceptable risk that the companies are selling weapons to a state that uses these weapons in ways that constitute serious and systematic breaches of the international rules on the conduct of hostilities&rdquo;.
Credit Agricole has made no comment on the report and opts to remain silent on its connections in Myanmar &ndash; as indeed do the other four banks and the pension fund. None responded to&nbsp;Capital Monitor&nbsp;requests for comment on the report or their support of companies with ties to Myanmar&rsquo;s military junta.
But as the report concludes, although divestment from companies engaged with Myanmar will not &ldquo;absolve the financial institutions from their previous indirect contribution to human rights harms together with their investees,&rdquo; after two years &ldquo;divestment may be the most responsible action left&rdquo;.
This article is also published on <a href="https://capitalmonitor.ai/sdgs/sdg-16-peace-justice-and-strong-institutions/profits-in-a-war-zone-french-banks-myanmar-investments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Capital Monitor</a>. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.
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Profits in a war zone: French banks’ Myanmar investments

If it were possible to remediate all of the harmful algal blooms worldwide, in one year alone we could remove an estimated 115 gigatons of carbon

Eyal

<img src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/6bbfb285175abe55431bdf3d9dfefa03fcb99164.jpg?" alt="Copernicus Sentinel data (2019), processed by ESA" />Source: Copernicus Sentinel data (2019), processed by ESA
The new frontier in carbon capture is booming with brash pioneers, bold ideas, and a burgeoning project pipeline spurred by federal funding, tax incentives, and private sector investment, all coming together to address the greenhouse gas emissions choking our planet. Innovators have stepped forward with new technologies, tools, and practices. Our collective global resolve to save the world from climate change has never been greater.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Indeed, the urgency of acting on our climate crisis cannot be overstated. The United Nations&rsquo; first <a href="https://unfccc.int/documents/631600">stocktake report</a> on global commitments to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius shows the world is not on track to meet the targets laid out in the 2015 <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement">Paris Agreement</a>.&nbsp;
But the simple reality is that we cannot vacuum, scrub, filter, pipe, or bury our way to <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/net-zero-coalition#:~:text=What%20is%20net%20zero%3F,oceans%20and%20forests%20for%20instance.">net zero</a> by 2050. Drastically slashing fossil fuels alone won&rsquo;t get us there either.&nbsp;
Rapid decarbonization at scale can only be achieved by investing in marine and freshwater ecosystems and the carbon stored within. By taking advantage of the carbon-soaking superpowers of <a href="https://www.epa.gov/cyanohabs/learn-about-cyanobacteria-and-cyanotoxins">cyanobacteria</a>, also known as blue-green algae, we can lock away gigatons of CO2 for thousands, if not millions, of years.&nbsp;
Toxic algal bloom remediation can help resolve the great climate challenge of our time by targeting and sinking toxic blooms with technology that is scalable and immediately deployable. This natural process does not incur the inefficiency, energy load, or high costs of land-based CO2 removal systems.&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s not to say that other nature-based climate solutions, along with emissions reduction and land-based carbon capture, are not part of the solution. We need to marshal all of our weapons to slay the climate dragon before us. But to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at an unprecedented rate, in relatively short order, requires leveraging the awesome power of water.
<img src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/f494a8ddb429363e5d3d83378c726319c6730165.jpg?" alt="Photo of jellyfish underwater" />
<h2>Earth&rsquo;s greatest natural carbon sink</h2>
Water is the lifeblood of our planet and our greatest natural carbon sink, absorbing approximately <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aau5153">30%</a> of all anthropogenic CO2 emissions. This remarkable feat is orchestrated by the intricate dance of marine organisms and the physical properties of water itself. Phytoplankton, including cyanobacteria, are the microscopic photosynthetic powerhouses of the oceans and contribute significantly to carbon uptake, as they absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and subsequently become part of the ocean's biological carbon pump.
Wetlands also play an indispensable role in sequestering carbon. Rivers, lakes, and estuaries act as conduits, transporting organic matter and terrestrial carbon to the oceans. The intricate web of aquatic life in these bodies of water further enhances carbon cycling.
<h2>Carbon-soaking superheroes</h2>
Cyanobacteria, ancient, microscopic, single-celled organisms that date back to the very beginnings of Earth, are believed to have been responsible for the oxygenation of the atmosphere and the oceans and are able to grow and survive where other organisms cannot.&nbsp;
<img src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/e665c445c869df0bdacf30df8739836f17d4e7d1.jpg?" alt="Photo of Cyanobacteria under a microscope" />
In warmer temperatures, when an abundance of nutrients and pollutants are present, cyanobacteria can explode in numbers and produce powerful toxins. These blooms often appear as blue-green paint splatters or thick mats floating on the water&rsquo;s surface.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cyanotoxins can sicken or even kill humans and animals, threaten drinking water supplies, suffocate aquatic ecosystems, and damage local economies. Harmful blooms close beaches and ruin recreation plans, making swimming, fishing, and boating too dangerous. Just breathing in the vicinity of an algae-choked lake can bring on respiratory problems. Touching the water or even brushing against dried blooms on the shoreline can be fatal to animals.
<h2>The toxic menace antagonizing our planet&nbsp;</h2>
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/de5ece63dbfab7e136af94387fd47d86f7c74316.jpg?" alt="Photo of ocean covered with toxic algae blooms" />Source: NASA
At least <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05760-y?utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=commission_junction&amp;utm_campaign=CONR_PF018_ECOM_GL_PHSS_ALWYS_DEEPLINK&amp;utm_content=textlink&amp;utm_term=PID100032693&amp;CJEVENT=4d446fd74e7211ee818f01d70a82b82d">12 million square miles of ocean</a> are covered with toxic algal blooms. Striking <a href="https://petapixel.com/2023/03/07/satellite-images-reveal-danger-of-earths-toxic-algae-blooms/">images captured from space</a> show Van Gough-like swirls of bright green amid deep blues; a toxic menace set against the backdrop of Earth&rsquo;s natural beauty that requires a double take to fully comprehend the magnitude of the problem. Researchers studied those images &mdash; 760 thousand captured by NASA between 2003 and 2020 &mdash; and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05760-y">concluded</a> ocean coverage of harmful algal blooms increased by over 13% during that period.&nbsp;
But that&rsquo;s only a snapshot of the scope of Earth&rsquo;s harmful algae inundation. Countless acres of wetlands and reservoirs, rivers and streams, lakes and ponds are choked with the toxic slime. By cleaning up these blooms, we can not only reduce a toxic hazard, but can also sequester gigatons of carbon in the process. Here&rsquo;s how.
<h3>Sinking algal biomass</h3>
By deploying a floating algaecide, scientists can target the toxic organism on the surface of the water, sparking a biological signal known as<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26873/"> programmed cell death</a>. The cells collapse and sink to the sediment carrying with them the carbon they have sequestered. Nontoxic algae are able to move in and once again flourish, helping to renew the health of the ecosystem over time.
Algal bloom remediation not only reduces a toxic hazard, it essentially fixes a &lsquo;broken&rsquo; carbon pump by permanently removing vast quantities of carbon, and vacating space and resources for an array of biodiverse, nontoxic species to move in and continue, anew, photosynthetic activity to further the cycle.
<h3>Gigaton potential</h3>
Scientists have concluded that in addition to significant emissions reductions, we need to remove up to <a href="https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25259/negative-emissions-technologies-and-reliable-sequestration-a-research-agenda">10 gigatons</a> of carbon each year in order to achieve net zero by 2050. The world is <a href="https://unfccc.int/documents/631600">woefully behind</a> in meeting that bar. By treating toxic blooms and sinking carbon-rich algal biomass, we can, for the first time, draw a realistic line toward the goal of removing up to 10 gigatons of carbon per year.
If it were possible to remediate all of the harmful algal blooms worldwide, in one year alone we could remove an estimated 115 gigatons of carbon. That is a mind-blowing number, one that underscores the power of toxic bloom remediation for addressing the world&rsquo;s carbon problem.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
If we are to safeguard our planet and future generations from the perils of a destabilized climate, we must leverage the power of water. Rapid decarbonization at scale can only be achieved by investing in aquatic ecosystems and the carbon stored within.&nbsp;
The urgency of the moment cannot be overstated. We just experienced the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/august-was-hottest-ever-recorded-third-straight-month-set-record-2023-09-06/#:~:text=July%202023%20remains%20the%20hottest,since%20records%20began%20in%201940.&amp;text=%22Global%20temperature%20records%20continue%20to,deputy%20head%20Samantha%20Burgess%20said.">hottest summer on record</a>, with global sea temperatures hitting record highs. Glaciers are melting. Sea levels are rising. Extreme heat, megadroughts, epic floods, and deadly storms are occurring at an accelerating pace. But there is reason for optimism.
The potential for leveraging water to mitigate our climate crisis is powerful - and ready to be tapped. Let&rsquo;s invest in what will work now&nbsp;before more irreversible damage to our climate is done. Time is running out. To meet aggressive and necessary climate goals we must clean up the toxic algal blooms in our oceans, lakes, and wetlands. We need to forge ahead into this bold new frontier. It is time to cowboy up and get it done.&nbsp;
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Toxic algae remediation: the pathway to gigaton-scale carbon removal 

No water, no life. Humans survive without eating for weeks, but they can’t survive even for days without drinking

Thomas

This is part three of a four-part series on new investment metrics adapted to the realities of climate change. You can find part one <a href="https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/investment-metrics-for-climate-change-iii-it-will-cost-us-dearly" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> and part two <a href="https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/investment-metrics-for-climate-change-iiii-co2-is-our-top-priority" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<h2 id="ember54" class="ember-view">Water is underpriced</h2>
Even though billions of people still don&rsquo;t have access to clean water, water is heavily underpriced in the rich world. No research is needed here, it&rsquo;s enough to look at toilets: in many rich countries, they are flushed with drinking-quality fresh water. That&rsquo;s only possible when water is underpriced.
Just like I invested in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/solar-self-sufficiency-dollarsbehind-thomas-vogel">solar energy</a>&nbsp;some ten years back and was laughed at, I am now investing in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-save-water-installing-rain-watersystem-thomas-vogel">rainwater usage</a>&nbsp;to flush our toilets and irrigate our garden.
Whilst the financials of this investment do not look favorable with today&rsquo;s water prices in Switzerland, I am convinced that water prices will explode over the next decade. Going back to my solar energy investment ten years ago, I am now earning a handsome amount of money every year from selling my excess electricity to the local utility.
When looking at investments in climate change technology, it might pay off to invest upfront&nbsp;before&nbsp;resource prices explode.
<h2 id="ember59" class="ember-view">Water is scarce</h2>
Irrespective of the price, freshwater is scarce. Farmers have started realizing this, too, and are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nzz.ch/schweiz/hitze-und-landwirtschaft-ein-bauer-findet-wasser-ld.1694334">experimenting with techniques</a>&nbsp;such as not using fertilizer at all, using compost and humus extensively, or planting trees in their vegetable fields to save scarce water.
Whoever knows a farmer is easily convinced that farmers don&rsquo;t take any experiments for the fun of it. Farmers are a breed of down-to-earth people, and they change when a changing climate shows them that there is no other way to succeed but to change with the climate.
Despite all the technology out there, farmers still work with and in nature. They serve as bell-weathers for climate change, as they are much more dependent on the climate and nature than other professions.
When looking at investments in climate change technology, it might make sense to ask a farmer for his or her advice before making an investment decision.
<h2 id="ember64" class="ember-view">Water becomes the top priority very quickly</h2>
No water, no life. Humans survive without eating for weeks, but they can&rsquo;t survive even for days without drinking.
So if water is missing, it becomes&nbsp;the&nbsp;top priority very quickly. Missing water can not just spark wildfires, it can also spark large-scale migration. Similarly, too much water from rising sea levels can also spark large-scale migration.
Therefore, it&rsquo;s in society&rsquo;s best interest that nobody has too much or too little water.
This article is also published on the <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/investment-metrics-climate-change-part-3-good-life-needswater-vogel/?trackingId=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">author's blog</a>. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Investment metrics for climate change (III/IV): a good life needs water

Auctions are generally an effective market-based mechanism for encouraging renewable energy projects. The recent failed auction in the UK highlights the pitfalls of not accurately balancing risk and reward

Ryan

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<h2>A case study in market dynamics</h2>
On September 8, 2023, the UK&rsquo;s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced that not a single bidder showed interest in the offshore wind contracts in <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66749344" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a recent auction</a>. Historically, such auctions have always had successful outcomes, which has allowed the UK to become a leader in offshore wind, with 14 GW of capacity. Given that wind energy is pivotal to the UK's ambitious net-zero targets, what led to this outcome? Below, I unpack the mechanics of Contract for Difference (CFD) auctions and shed light on why this crucial market mechanism failed.
<h2>CFDs and their role in renewable energy projects</h2>
A CFD is essentially a financial agreement aimed at spurring investment in renewable energy by hedging price risk. In this contract, an energy generator and a counterparty (often backed by the government) agree upon a fixed "strike price" for a set period. Once the energy project is operational, if the market price of electricity drops below this strike price, the counterparty makes up the shortfall. If the market price rises above it, the generator pays back the difference.
The idea is to provide some level of revenue certainty for energy producers. Without this long-term revenue certainty, it can be less efficient for projects to secure financing and proceed with development. This is because electricity generation assets require large amounts of capital investment and are long-lived assets. More stability in future cash flows lowers risk (and therefore the discount rate) and increases the value of these projects to investors, making it more likely that the generation projects will move forward. In addition to these benefits to encourage investment, the CFD mechanism also protects consumers from excessively high electricity prices because generators only receive the strike price when wholesale prices are high.
<h2>The auction</h2>
Central to the CFD mechanism is the concept of an auction, a competitive bidding process that aims to allocate renewable energy contracts at the lowest cost. The process starts with a government or regulatory body announcing an upcoming CFD auction, detailing key attributes such as the total capacity to be auctioned, eligible technologies, and the timeline for the auction process. Potential bidders then undergo a pre-qualification process, meeting specified criteria such as financial stability, technical capability, and past performance in energy projects. This phase ensures that only capable and reliable entities can participate.
Come auction day, each bidder submits a bid specifying two crucial aspects: the amount of electricity they plan to produce and the "strike price" at which they can sell this electricity. This strike price is essentially the minimum amount a developer needs to make the project economically viable. Bids are ranked from the lowest to highest strike price. Contracts are then awarded starting from the lowest-priced bid until the total capacity earmarked for the auction is filled. Different auction models, such as pay-as-bid or uniform pricing, can determine how the strike price is set for each winning bidder. Some auctions implement price floors and caps to maintain a sustainable and competitive bidding environment. A price floor ensures that bids don't go so low as to jeopardize the feasibility of projects, while a cap prevents excessively high bids that could inflate energy costs for consumers.
Winners are awarded a CFD, usually lasting 15 to 20 years, providing them with long-term price stability. Contracts are finalised, specifying obligations for both parties. Once a CFD is awarded, the winning developers move on to the project implementation phase, which involves securing finance, obtaining necessary permits, and eventually, construction. Upon becoming operational, the CFD mechanism kicks in. If the market price for electricity is below the agreed strike price, the counterparty (often a government entity) pays the difference to the energy producer. Conversely, if the market price exceeds the strike price, the energy producer pays the difference to the counterparty.
<h2>Why did the UK's offshore wind auction fail?</h2>
The UK government had set an ambitious price cap of &pound;44/MWh, intending for generators to bid the price down from there in the auction. An example of how the UK had hoped the auction would work is illustrated in Figure 1 (numbers are fictitious). In this example, two developers bid, one bidding 2 GW of capacity at &pound;30 MWh and a second bidding another 3 GW of capacity at &pound;25.
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However, what actually happened was that the &pound;44/MWh price cap was too low for any developers. Although price caps are often politically popular for appearing to protect consumers, they can backfire by discouraging participation, as happened here. The resulting failed auction is presented in Figure 2, showing our two fictitious developers with minimum prices far above the government price cap, resulting in no bidders and 0 GW in capacity provided.
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The problem comes from the instability and uncertainty faced by wind generators. Again, note that the intended incentive of a CFD is to decrease uncertainty in future cash flows, thereby lowering the risks associated with investing in the project. The problem is that UK energy markets are dealing with high uncertainty, in terms of inflation, currency instability, high raw materials costs (especially steel), a shortage of skilled labour, and an uncertain political and regulatory environment. The current high interest rates also raise financing costs. The grid infrastructure also needs crucial upgrades to ensure that renewable energy can be transmitted to consumers, further increasing uncertainty. All these factors increase risk and make the required future cash flows higher in order to pay for the initial investment.
In fact, the long durations of CFDs, usually 15-20 years, have clearly worked against the auction in this case. In stable periods, these long durations are a valuable benefit as they provide more revenue certainty and lower risk. However, in unstable periods, no generator wants to be locked into a fixed price that may turn out to be too low 8 years down the road.
At issue here is the price cap. Such caps are attractive politically because price caps appear to control costs for consumers. However, economists have demonstrated for centuries that price caps cause shortages. In this case, a shortage of bidders for offshore wind. It is particularly difficult for a single agent, in this case government, to set an &ldquo;accurate&rdquo; price in periods of high volatility. Just like pegs in currencies, they get broken and often cause huge political problems. Rather, a large number of agents competitively bidding against one another would result in a more efficient market price. Auction theory is generally well-understood, both in terms of pros and cons and used in a stunning variety of activities, from Google searches to allocating radio spectrum in telecommunications.
While CFDs are generally an effective market-based mechanism for encouraging renewable energy projects, the recent failed auction in the UK highlights the pitfalls of not accurately balancing risk and reward. Policymakers must be cautious when setting price caps, especially in volatile economic conditions. Trusting market forces to establish a fair market price through competitive bidding can often yield better outcomes for both consumers and investors.
This article is also published on <a href="https://enodatech.com/news-insight/unravelling-the-uks-failed-offshore-wind-auction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ENODA</a>. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.
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Unravelling the UK's failed offshore wind auction

This article examines Japanese energy and environmental security, resilience, and reliability situations and presents the best policy improvement options

This is the first part of a five-part research paper on improving energy and environmental security, resiliency, and reliability situations in Japan. You can find part two <a href="https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/policies-to-improve-energy-and-environmental-security-resilience-and-reliability-iiv-a-case-study-on-japan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<h2>Introduction to the research issue</h2>
This research paper examines Japanese energy and environmental security, resilience, and reliability situations and presents the best policy improvement options. 
The world's third-largest economy faces energy and environmental issues. The Japanese energy security environment is vulnerable compared to the other Group of Seven (G7) countries. For example, in 2022, its primary energy self-sufficiency ratio accounted for 11% versus that of Canada (179%), the United States (106%), and the United Kingdom (75%). The revised FY2021 ratio is 13.3%, showing growth since 2011 when the FY2010 ratio was 20.2% (METI, 2022a; 2022b; 2023). The scarcity of domestic fossil fuels underpins this low self-sufficiency ratio. Japan has many other energy resources but does not use them to their full potential (solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, and wave). For instance, in 2022, Japan, the fifth-largest global oil consumer, depended on imports for 97% of its primary energy supply, exposing itself to the high international fossil fuel price volatility amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Due to a lack of global oil or natural gas pipelines, Japan relied on tanker and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier shipments of crude oil and LNG to meet its demand. In 2021, Japan was the world's fifth-highest energy consumer. Japan's dependence on fossil fuels is still high, even though its consumption has been declining. For instance, fossil fuels' share of electricity generation (Appendix A, Figure 1) decreased from 89% in 2012 to 72% in 2021. The primary sources replacing fossil fuels in Japan's generation mix have been nuclear and non-hydro renewables, specifically solar. Moreover, Japanese electricity demand is projected to lessen due to the anticipated energy efficiency improvements and sizable aging population decline (IEA, 2021; EIA; Shiraishi et al.; VK, 2023).&nbsp;
Second, Japanese energy resilience issues, exacerbated by natural disasters, exist due to the poorly interconnected split electricity system. The 2020's legislation intends to strengthen the electricity sector's resilience by promoting distributed grids and the partnership plans&rsquo; requirement for transmission and distribution operators for rapid disaster response. Third, although the country had a relatively high level of energy reliability, its recent situation worsened due to typhoons and earthquake-caused long and large-scale power outages. The continued integration of variable renewable energy and future climate change might further affect Japanese energy reliability and resilience (IEA, 2021).
<h2>The impacts of climate change</h2>
Japan must also consider evolving environmental security, resilience, and reliability situations. Like the rest of the world, Japan grapples with the effects of global climate change, which continues to affect its food security, and the ecosystems&rsquo; resilience and reliability (JMS, 2022; Sekiyama, 2020). Water security is also relevant since a quarter of the Japanese population will live in water-scarce areas between 2020 and 2030 (WDL, 2023). The presented issues are crucial in the context of the current energy transition, which strives to achieve carbon neutrality amid the challenges, such as the need for energy security, macroeconomic impacts, the new North-South divide, and the global competition for critical minerals. The new North-South divide is defined as &ldquo;a sharpening difference between developed [such as Japan] and developing countries on how the transition should proceed&rdquo; (Yergin, 2022, p. 11).&nbsp;
<h2>Structure of the paper</h2>
This paper is organized into six main sections. After an introduction in Section 1, Section 2 presents the literature review related to the research problem. Section 3 discusses four separate policy sectoral proposals applicable to Japan. Section 4 describes costs, benefits, timeframes, possible unintended consequences, and implementation pathways for each policy option. Section 5 summarizes the research, analysis, and findings. It also presents the best nexus-integrated policy options with caveats to enhance energy and environmental security, resilience, and reliability situations in Japan. It also demonstrates the difference between the analyses and options based on various essential entities involved and their effects on Japanese policies and outcomes. Section 6 concludes and emphasizes the importance of the author&rsquo;s developed unique concept of nexus-integrated policies. Part two of this series article will provide the literature review related to the research problem.
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illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.
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Policies to improve energy and environmental security, resilience, and reliability (I/V): a case study on Japan

Implementing gigaton-scale atmospheric carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is necessary to meet our shared climate goals

Grant

How Big Things Get Done&nbsp;by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner offers numerous insights that could be particularly valuable for deploying massive amounts of carbon removal. Intense planning, significant iteration, a focus on modularity, and highly experienced talent will all be necessary to help carbon removal avoid the unfortunate fate of many other massive projects and reach its needed scale.
I recently finished&nbsp;How Big Things Get Done&nbsp;by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner. I highly recommend that everyone working in carbon removal, and climate tech more generally, go to your local bookstores and purchase a copy. For under $30, you can get advice that could easily be worth billions of dollars or more in saved megaproject costs.
Implementing gigaton-scale atmospheric carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is necessary to meet our shared climate goals, and projects moving this much mass will undoubtedly qualify as megaprojects. Rapid and low-cost execution is vital to ensure timely climate impacts and economic feasibility of large-scale removal. While CDR at this scale has not been done before, there are many general megaproject lessons shared throughout the book that can apply to huge CDR projects. I summarize a few of these here.
One of my main takeaways was the rarity of success paired with the sheer necessity of planning. According to the authors, only 0.5% of over 16,000 studied projects from around the world were delivered on time, on budget, and delivering the full extent of expected benefits. Carbon removal cannot really afford to not be in this category. The key differentiator for successful projects is slow and meticulous planning of every step. As the authors say throughout, think slow and act fast. Errors are cheap and generally fixable during planning but can be fatal during deployment. Drawn-out execution phases increase the chances of long-tail or black swan risks materializing, which risks extending the project and creating massive budget and schedule overruns.
While this lesson might seem intuitive, it is far, far too easy to fall into various psychological traps that lead to premature execution and eventual underdelivery or failure. The CDR ecosystem must continue to plan out&nbsp;every last&nbsp;aspect of deployment and mitigate as many identified risks as possible. Diverse teams&nbsp;<a href="https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691138541/the-difference" rel="">are needed</a> to discover and mitigate as many project risks as possible. In-depth plans should be made, checked, benchmarked against actual implementation timetables for comparable projects, checked again, criticized, and corrected, over and over again. This must happen before a shovel ever goes into the ground.
Very careful planning looks a lot more active than one might think. Flyvbjerg and Gardner discuss how this can be done through a process they call Pixar planning. This is an intense iterative planning process used by creative powerhouses such as Pixar that involves making and perfecting increasingly detailed drafts until there is extremely high confidence in what will become the final product. Significant iteration, tinkering, and experiential learning are required to iron out as many issues as possible before making final investment decisions.
In carbon removal, this might look like creating hundreds or thousands of representative prototypes or doing small field trials of various system components to find and mitigate as many issues as possible. It could also look like continuously conducting deep supply chain mapping across the entire system. Some of this will happen naturally as we move from the lab scale to the pilot scale and then onward to the demonstration and industrial scales. This is where Silicon Valley banalities such as &ldquo;fail fast&rdquo; can actually be useful. Massive learning from trial-and-error requires lots of trials and of course lots of errors. It is far better to fail at a small, cheap, and inconsequential scale instead of a large, expensive, and reputation-damaging one. This is particularly important for hard tech companies where there are direct risks to worker and community safety. Once we work our way through this, scaling will be faster, safer, and smoother.
To help with rapid scaling and risk reduction, modularity is also highly beneficial. Flyvbjerg and Gardner discuss at length how more modular projects, such as solar power and energy transmission, are far less vulnerable to cost overruns and delays due to their modular or &ldquo;Lego-like&rdquo; nature. Complex, one-off projects, like nuclear power plants and the Olympic games, are in much more danger of massive cost overruns and a litany of other issues.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1017298108" rel="">Plenty</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aaz8060" rel="">of</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542435120301252" rel="">existing</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542435120304402" rel="">research</a>&nbsp;supports this correlation between design simplicity and cost reduction, particularly as it applies to climate tech. The diagram below shows one technology typology sourced from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542435120304402" rel="">Malhotra &amp; Schmidt (2020)</a> that breaks down this concept using some well-known climate technologies.
Figure 1. This diagram shows a typology that classifies technologies based on their design complexity and need for customization
<img src="https://illuminem.b-cdn.net/articlebody/8d75216b52899a2b9cafbfea158ed7f6046e14a8.jpeg?" alt="typology that classifies technologies based on their design complexity and need for customization" />
Source: <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542435120304402" rel="">Malhotra &amp; Schmidt (2020)</a>
Modularity has certainly become somewhat of a buzzword, and it is easy to claim that anything can be modular. The extent of inherent modularity for technology might also be more of a predictor of success than a controllable variable. With this said, there are actionable insights related to these findings. Simplifying system designs, creating &ldquo;scale-free&rdquo; systems that operate similarly regardless of the scale of the operation, constantly updating designs based on learnings, and taking advantage of mass manufacturing of standardized components can all help expedite deployment, mitigate risk, and reduce costs.
To operationalize these insights, it helps to have experts with significant experience at the helm. Flyvbjerg and Gardner share multiple stories of the massive benefits of hiring individuals with significant relevant experience to complete megaprojects.
The trouble with CDR is that no one has done this before! There are people who have built airport terminals and skyscrapers but not megaton-scale mine-tailing carbonation facilities, for example. However, we already have a sense of the types of talent that will be necessary to massively scale carbon removal.
To maximize the chances of success, CDR companies and their project developers&nbsp;must hire the best and most experienced engineers, scientists, CEOs, project managers, EPC firms, policy advocates, LCA/TEA analysts, and others to get the job done right. We must also spend liberally to ensure these people have whatever they need to execute. This will be expensive but not nearly as expensive as overruns, delays, and failures. There is of course a benefit that comes with having some less experienced team members who can learn and provide unconventional insights&mdash;this is related to my point about diversity above&mdash;but empowering those with actual wins under their belts will help ensure projects are delivered at cost and on time.
Given my work on cost modeling, I was particularly interested in the section in Chapter 2 on strategic misrepresentation, which is when initial estimates purposely lowball expected costs to bait public or private investors into projects that will ultimately be far more expensive. Sadly, I have seen this in action multiple times, and it is one of my biggest pet peeves as it contributes to a breakdown of trust in cost modeling and the massive cost overruns we have come to expect from so many projects. Someone even said to me once, &ldquo;We just need to show these [overly positive] numbers to convince investors to give us funds so we can go out, try this, and see if it actually works.&rdquo; Without full risk disclosure, this is borderline fraud.
Strategic misrepresentation of costs is rampant in the carbon management world due to incomplete cost modeling and a desire to create excitement and secure scarce investment funds. If I had a removal offset for every time I have heard someone say their technology could allow for sub-$100/t direct air capture today, I could erase the emissions of a small country. To maintain the reputation of CDR and properly adjust expectations, we need to perform more accurate modeling of costs and benefits, collectively resist the temptation to oversell, and be honest and transparent with our findings. This is the only way to approach something that looks closer to truth, which is needed to build trust in removal offset markets and collectively identify and mitigate risks. Additionally, if we overpromise about cost performance today, we might not get the level of subsidization needed to help the industry scale.
This article is also published on the <a href="https://carbonbasedcommentary.substack.com/p/megaproject-lessons-for-carbon-removal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">author's blog</a>. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

Megaproject lessons for carbon removal deployment

Unless we find ways for digitalisation to enhance democracy, political agency and equity, all whilst massively decreasing resource extraction, production and consumption, things are looking very sad. Very sad indeed

Nathan

Beyond the agile manifesto: a new paradigm for responsible product development

It is evident that the synergy between women’s rights, digital literacy, and SDG 12 isn't merely beneficial—it's essential

Sheri R.

In a rapidly globalizing world, the intersecting lines between sustainable development, gender equity, and technological advancement are more apparent than ever before. At this nexus, three components stand out: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, women&rsquo;s rights, and digital literacy. While seemingly disparate, a deeper exploration reveals a powerful correlation between them, shaping the path to a more inclusive and sustainable future.
The United Nations SDG 12 champions Responsible Production and Consumption underpinned by circularity, behavioral, industrial, and holistic design shifts realized across sustainable supply chains. It urges for a paradigm shift in how we design, produce, market, and consume goods, emphasizing the need to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation and social exploits tied to globalization and profits at all costs. SDG 12 is often confused as addressing 2 elements of a biosphere - environmental or economic goals &ndash; when its ripples extend into the sociocultural realm, affecting societal structures, power dynamics, and gender equity.
<h2>Women&rsquo;s rights: the bedrock of sustainable development</h2>
Women make up half of the global population yet remain disproportionately affected by socio-economic disparities. Basic rights that encompass health, education, representation, and employment directly influence the community and national trajectory toward sustainable development. When women are empowered to make decisions, economies witness growth, health outcomes improve, and education becomes more widespread.
Within the scope of SDG 12, women play a myriad of roles: as stewardly consumers, influencing household and community consumption patterns, and as workers, often in sectors that are rife with unsustainable practices.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Economic contributions: According to the World Bank, gender disparities cost the economy of sub-Saharan Africa around $95 billion a year, which hinders the continent's growth. Equal opportunities for women can redirect these funds into more sustainable industries and practices.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tradition and change: In many societies, women are the custodians of traditional knowledge, which often includes sustainable practices. By ensuring their rights, we are preserving and utilizing this knowledge for sustainable development. Furthermore, women&rsquo;s educational empowerment correlates with positive environmental behaviors. A UNESCO report points out that women's education reduces fertility rates and population growth, both of which are related to consumption levels.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Consumer decision-makers: Women control a substantial part of household consumption. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) states that women have significant control over around 60-80% of household consumption. This offers an opportunity: by empowering women with sustainability knowledge and choices, we can influence sustainable consumption patterns from the grassroots.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Women in agriculture: Women play a critical role in agriculture, making up over 40% of the agricultural labor force in developing nations. Ensuring women's rights in this sector can lead to the adoption of sustainable farming methods. A Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report emphasized that giving women the same access as men to agricultural resources could increase production on women-run farms by 20-30%, feeding an additional 150 million people. This highlights the potential of women in championing responsible production.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Innovation and diversity: Gender inclusiveness can foster innovative solutions to achieve SDG 12. A study from the Boston Consulting Group noted that companies with more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenue due to innovation. When women are included in decision-making processes, businesses can become more responsive and adaptable in implementing sustainable practices.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The digital age and women&rsquo;s rights</h2>
As the world progressively transitions into the digital age, the technology gap, or the disparity in access and usage of technology, threatens to further widen gender inequities. Digital literacy, which implies the ability to use digital tools effectively and safely, emerges as the linchpin in this scenario. But what links digital literacy to SDG 12 and women&rsquo;s rights?
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Market transformation through digital platforms: Today&rsquo;s marketplaces are becoming increasingly digital. Women, equipped with digital literacy skills, can drive sustainable consumption by making informed online purchases, endorsing sustainable products, and spreading influence in the digital sphere that shapes sector behavior and product design, pushing industries and society at large towards responsible production.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Economic empowerment: The digital economy offers numerous opportunities, from remote work to tech entrepreneurship. For women in sectors with unsustainable practices, digital literacy could be the gateway to better, sustainable employment opportunities, directly linking SDG 12's objectives with women's rights.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Safety and autonomy: The digital sphere, though filled with opportunities, has its pitfalls, from misinformation to online harassment. Digital literacy ensures women can navigate these spaces safely, exercise their rights, and make informed decisions, be it as consumers advocating for SDG 12 or as individuals asserting their rights.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The interwoven tapestry of progress</h2>
Visualize a world where sustainable production and consumption aren&rsquo;t just buzzwords, but daily practices. In this world, women stand empowered, equipped with digital tools, driving markets, influencing communities, and advocating for greener policies. Digital literacy is the thread weaving through this tapestry, connecting the dots between SDG 12 and women's rights.
As we stride forward, it&rsquo;s evident that the synergy between SDG 12, women&rsquo;s rights, and digital literacy isn't merely beneficial&mdash;it's essential. By recognizing and acting on this tripartite correlation, we aren't just paving the way for isolated goals. Instead, we're charting a holistic path to a world that&rsquo;s sustainable, equitable, and digitally advanced. The future beckons, and it's digital, green, and gender-inclusive.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability &amp; Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.

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